Kentucky guard entering transfer portal after disappointing season with Wildcats

Kentucky’s 2025-26 season ended on a discouraging note. 

After narrowly defeating Santa Clara in the first round of the NCAA Tournament (Otega Oweh’s buzzer-beating three at the end of regulation helped them force overtime), the Wildcats were outmatched by Iowa State in the Round of 32 (they suffered an 82-63 loss).

While the transfer portal isn’t set to open until April, Kentucky’s 6-foot-1 junior guard made it clear that he’s leaving the program after a disappointing campaign in Lexington.

“NEWS: Kentucky guard Jaland Lowe plans to enter the transfer portal,” ESPN’s Jeff Borzello reported Saturday. “Lowe averaged 16.8 points at Pitt in 2024-25 before transferring to Kentucky last spring. Played in just nine games for the Wildcats due to a shoulder injury.”

Lowe’s stint with Kentucky couldn’t have gone worse. After an impressive sophomore campaign with the Jeff Capel-led Pittsburgh Panthers, Lowe transferred to Kentucky, hoping to take another positive step forward at the collegiate level.

Unfortunately, a devastating shoulder injury prevented Lowe from making a significant impact with the Wildcats, contributing to the program’s lackluster season.

Without a true point guard/floor general to distribute at a high level, the Wildcats struggled to consistently maximize their offensive possessions and secure high-percentage shots. 

Fortunately for Lowe, his setback doesn’t appear to be career-ending, enabling him to continue his collegiate career elsewhere.

More college basketball: Houston freshman guard, former five-star recruit entering transfer portal