This season didn’t end the way Kentucky fans wanted but now it’s time to focus our attention on the offseason and shaping next year’s team. In today’s college basketball landscape, where the transfer portal moves fast and rosters can change almost overnight, nothing is guaranteed and decisions can shift in an instant. With that in mind, here’s what Kentucky players have said in the past few weeks, and using this information here are my stay/go predictions for the 2025-2026 Kentucky men’s Basketball team:
Braydon Hawthorne – 100% returning. Already confirmed (per Lexington Herald).
Reece Potter – 100% Returning. Already confirmed.
“Whatever Pope wants — I don’t really care either way” “I just want to be a part of this group again” Potter told KSR.
Jayden Quaintance – NBA Draft.
“This will likely be my last year of college,” Quaintance said.
Mock drafts have Quaintance going first round, some even have him going as a lottery pick.
Jaland Lowe – Most likely returning, but should be prepared to potentially be recruited over and in a fight for a starting spot. Portal is definitely also an option.
“That’s the plan… The plan has always been to come back,” Lowe said
In my opinion unlikely, but if a transfer were to happen it would be because Kentucky recruited over Lowe this offseason by targeting other high-level point guards, leading him to feel it was in his best interest to pursue a guaranteed starting spot at another school.
Mo Dioubate – Toss-up between returning and transferring. Leaning transfer.
However, due to former Cat Hamidou Diallo and his New York connection, Kentucky has always been a dream school for him. Dioubate had very high praise for Kentucky and BBN after the Iowa State game, but also said he will evaluate his options for his senior year. His tone suggested the portal is a strong possibility.
Brandon Garrison – Likely returning. But don’t rule out the portal.
“Yes, for sure,” Garrison said, in response to if he plans on being back at Kentucky next season.
However, reports from Jack Pilgram (KSR) in the following days suggested that, even if players said one thing after the game, they might still explore other opportunities which may apply to Garrison. Should he return he should be prepared to come off the bench and continue developing his ability to play both the 4 and 5.
Some Twitter/X rumors as of late have suggested that following Jason Hart to SMU where he just accepted a job might be a strong possibility if he were to enter the portal.
Kam Williams – Very likely returning
“The plan is to stay here for sure,” Williams said in response to what his plans are for next season. I have a strong confidence he’ll be back for his junior season.
Jasper Johnson – Likely to transfer
Although he told the media he hasn’t thought about decisions for next season following the loss, his uncle (a former UK football player) voiced his concerns about the season about many things including fans, media, and coaching on social media recently leading many people to believe that Jasper will not be in Kentucky blue for his sophomore season.
Andrija Jelavić – Likely returning
“This is the most legendary program in college basketball… we’re going to be even hungrier next season. Not just individuals—the whole program will be back at its full name.” Jelavić said. This suggests that his current plan is to return for his junior season.
Unlikely but, if a transfer from Jelavić were to happen, I would watch for Illinois, who loves to recruit international players, or for him to potentially return overseas.
Malachi Moreno – Likely returning. He will most likely test ALL of his options including the NBA draft waters along with the portal.
Told the media that he would evaluate and talk to his family and then make his decision in a few weeks. Ultimately I believe he will be back at Kentucky.
Coming out of high school, no one, not even Moreno himself knew what his specific role as a freshman would be. But after the injury to Quaintance, a few poor games from Garrison, and a few very impressive games from Moreno, he found himself starting and eventually starting majorly of the Wildcats’ games this season.
He continues to get better every day and is developing at one of the fastest rates in college basketball. I’m very confident that he can provide very valuable minutes and services for the team next year.
This all being said, I do believe he has the potential to remain the starting center but I also believe that similar to Lowe, he should be prepared to potentially be recruited over and be in a fight for the starting 5 spot next season.
Trent Noah – Toss-up.
He will most likely look at his options in the portal and look at schools where he could get more PT but also being a Kentucky kid, it might be hard for him to step away from a team he’s dreamed of playing on his entire life. Due to the NCAA expanding the number of scholarships to 15 last season, Trent would be able to return if he desires.
Graduates / No Eligibility:
Otega Oweh, Denzel Aberdeen, and walk-ons Zach Tow and Walker Horn.
