The Kentucky Wildcats have put together a solid group of players from the transfer portal. How do they stack up in the class rankings?
The Kentucky Wildcats basketball program has been one of the premier teams in college basketball for decades, with a storied history filled with success. Under head coach John Calipari, the Wildcats have been known for their elite recruiting classes, often bringing in some of the top high school talent in the country. However, the landscape of college basketball has shifted in recent years with the advent of the transfer portal, which has allowed teams to enhance their rosters by bringing in experienced players from other programs. Kentucky has embraced this change, utilizing the portal to strengthen its squad in ways that mirror the top recruiting classes of the past.
In the 2024-2025 offseason, Kentucky has made significant moves in the transfer portal, adding a variety of talent to their roster. These additions have sparked excitement in Lexington, with many experts predicting that the Wildcats could be a major contender in both the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the NCAA Tournament. The question now is: how does Kentucky’s transfer portal class compare to others in the nation? In this piece, we will break down Kentucky’s transfer portal class, assess its ranking in comparison to other schools, and evaluate how these transfers will impact the team moving forward.
The transfer portal has radically changed college basketball by giving players more freedom to move from one program to another. This system has benefited teams like Kentucky, allowing them to supplement their roster with experienced players who are ready to contribute immediately. While the Wildcats have long been known for landing five-star high school recruits, the ability to bring in top talent from the portal has added a new dimension to their roster-building strategy.
With the transfer portal now playing a crucial role in roster construction, Kentucky’s ability to pull in high-level talent has ensured that they remain one of the elite programs in the country. Coach John Calipari and his staff have had to adapt to the new recruiting landscape, and their success in the portal is a testament to their ability to stay ahead of the curve.
Kentucky’s 2024 transfer portal class is loaded with talent. Several of the players brought in have the potential to make an immediate impact, while others will provide much-needed depth to the roster. Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key players Kentucky has added from the portal.
One of the most highly touted transfers Kentucky added is Jaxson Robinson, a guard who previously played for BYU. Robinson is an athletic wing who can score from beyond the arc and defend at a high level. His ability to stretch the floor and create space for other players will make him a valuable asset in Kentucky’s offense. Robinson’s experience in a high-major program like BYU also means he won’t be overwhelmed by the pressure of playing in the SEC.
Brandon Garrison is another key addition for Kentucky. A versatile forward who stands at 6’9”, Garrison brings a combination of size, athleticism, and skill to the Wildcats’ frontcourt. He has the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and provide rim protection on defense. Garrison’s all-around game will be a perfect fit for Kentucky’s up-tempo style of play, and his experience in the Big 12 will be invaluable as he steps into a leadership role for the Wildcats.
A key player in San Diego State’s run to the national championship game, Lamont Butler is another transfer who will make an immediate impact at Kentucky. Butler is a tenacious defender who has the ability to guard multiple positions. He is also an efficient scorer and has proven himself in high-pressure situations, making him a perfect fit for the demanding SEC. Butler’s leadership and defensive prowess will be crucial for Kentucky as they look to make a deep run in the tournament.
Otega Oweh is a dynamic guard who brings speed, athleticism, and defensive versatility to Kentucky. Oweh’s ability to lock down opposing players on the perimeter will be a major asset for the Wildcats. His offensive game has improved over time, and he’s now capable of contributing as both a scorer and a playmaker. Oweh’s quickness and energy will give Kentucky a much-needed boost, especially on the defensive end.
Andrew Carr is a stretch forward who has the ability to shoot from the outside and create mismatches with opposing defenses. At 6’9”, Carr has great size for his position, and he’ll be able to contribute on both ends of the floor. His rebounding ability and perimeter shooting will provide Kentucky with more flexibility, as he can play both inside and outside. Carr’s experience in the ACC will also allow him to step in and contribute immediately.
As of now, Kentucky’s transfer portal class ranks among the top in the nation. According to 247Sports, Kentucky’s transfer class is ranked second nationally, only behind Tennessee. This ranking reflects the talent and potential of the players Kentucky has brought in, with many of them ranked among the top transfers available this offseason.
One of the standout features of Kentucky’s transfer class is the depth and versatility of the players they have added. Unlike many other schools that focus on one or two positions in the portal, Kentucky has managed to fill several key roles with high-level talent. The Wildcats have addressed their needs in the backcourt, frontcourt, and on the wing, ensuring that they have a balanced and complete roster heading into the 2024-2025 season.
It is important to note that transfer portal rankings can be fluid and may change as more players enter the portal or transfer commitments are made. However, as of now, Kentucky’s class is firmly in the top tier of college basketball.
While Kentucky’s transfer class is impressive, they are not alone in using the portal to build a championship-caliber team. Several other programs have made waves with their transfer acquisitions, most notably teams like Duke, Kansas, and Arkansas. These programs, like Kentucky, have been aggressive in bringing in talent from the portal to supplement their already impressive recruiting classes.
Duke, for example, has added several key transfers, including guards and big men, to help bolster their depth and provide experienced leadership to complement their freshman class. Similarly, Kansas has used the portal to add veteran players to their roster, while Arkansas has been particularly active in bringing in transfers to support their high-octane style of play.
What sets Kentucky apart, however, is the sheer volume of talent they have added in such a short time. Many of their transfers are coming from high-level programs, meaning they bring both experience and elite-level skills to the table. In comparison, some of the other programs have been more selective in their portal additions, opting for a smaller number of transfers who fit specific roles. Kentucky’s depth, therefore, could give them an edge as they look to compete for a national championship.
The addition of these transfers has not only improved Kentucky’s immediate prospects but also set the program up for long-term success. Coach Calipari has proven that he can win with one-and-done players, but the transfer portal allows him to bring in experienced players who can contribute right away and provide leadership in key moments. With these new additions, Kentucky is poised to be a serious contender in the SEC and beyond for the next few years.
In addition, the Wildcats’ success in the portal reflects the growing importance of roster-building in the modern era of college basketball. While high school recruits will always play a vital role in team construction, the transfer portal provides programs with an invaluable tool to fill gaps, bolster depth, and bring in experienced players who can make an immediate impact.
Kentucky’s transfer portal class for the 2024-2025 season is one of the best in the country. With a balanced roster that features talented players at every position, the Wildcats are poised to compete at the highest level. Their class ranks among the top in the nation, and with experienced players like Jaxson Robinson, Brandon Garrison, and Lamont Butler, Kentucky has the tools to make a deep run in both the SEC and the NCAA Tournament.
As the season progresses, Kentucky’s transfer class will continue to make its mark on the court. With a combination of youth and experience, talent and depth, the Wildcats look ready to once again be a powerhouse in college basketball. The transfer portal has proven to be an essential part of modern recruiting, and Kentucky’s success in this arena only further solidifies their status as one of the nation’s elite programs.
