The Kentucky Wildcats and Mark Pope are navigating the offseason after their second-round loss to the Iowa State Cyclones in the NCAA Tournament. The transfer portal officially opened on Tuesday and according to On3, over 900 players have already entered. Not closing until April 21, that number will continue to rise.
Among that group of players looking for a new team is true freshman guard Jasper Johnson. Coming out of the 2025 cycle, he was a five-star recruit and the No. 21 player in the nation, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. He chose the Wildcats over teams such as the Alabama Crimson Tide, North Carolina Tar Heels, Arkansas Razorbacks, and Louisville Cardinals.
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After entering the transfer portal, though, his time in Lexington is nearing an end. While he could withdraw his name and return to Kentucky, On3's Pete Nakos predicts Johnson will move on and commit to Alabama.
It would be an unfortunate loss for the Wildcats, but an exciting addition for the Crimson Tide. Last season, Johnson averaged 4.9 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 35 games. He shot 40% from the field and 34.1% from the three-point line. Despite his limited impact, he's an intriguing option with three more years of eligibility.
The Crimson Tide is looking to offset some of its own transfer portal departures. They're set to lose three players so far, with guard Jalil Bethea, forward Taylor Bol Bowen and center Aiden Sherrell all on the move.
For Kentucky, losing a former five-star recruit to a conference opponent would only amplify their offseason struggles. Johnson is one of seven players the Wildcats have had hit the transfer portal.
However, Pope's previous success in the portal, landing six commitments last offseason, shows the ability to bring in talent.
