While Kentucky Basketball is focused on landing Mark Mitchell to round out the 2026-27 roster, there are a few other contenders for that final spot, namely Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler.
On Tuesday, On3’s Joe Tipton reported that Kohler was officially entering the transfer portal now that he’s been granted a TRO against the NCAA as part of the California lawsuit vs. the NCAA.
Not long after, CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported that Kentucky was among the schools Kohler is now considering. Joining the Wildcats at Kansas, BYU, and Louisville.
For what it’s worth, Tipton and Pete Nakos previously reported that BYU was the favorite to land Kohler, so Kentucky may just be window dressing on the list at this point. The Utah native grew up about 15 miles from BYU’s campus, so this would be a homecoming of sorts if it comes to pass.
Still, if things don’t work out with Mitchell, Kohler is someone Kentucky should make a run at. The 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season while shooting 38.9% from deep on 4.3 attempts per game.
Kohler would be the perfect big man for Mark Pope’s offense, but for now, it looks like a long shot that the former Spartan will end up anywhere other than BYU.
Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler tells me that he’s considering the following schools and will have other conversations later today.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 18, 2026
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisville
BYU
Kohler is pursuing a fifth year and is currently eligible following the preliminary injunction in California.