Jaxon Kohler’s name has quickly moved to the front of the college basketball market, and the former Michigan State forward is drawing interest from a trio of heavy hitters if he gets a fifth year of eligibility for the 2026-27 season.
The 6-foot-9 big man spent all four seasons in East Lansing and made 69 starts for the Spartans. Last season was his best yet: 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the field. He also piled up 13 double-doubles, highlighted by a 21-point, 13-rebound performance in a road win at Indiana.
That production has put Kansas, Kentucky, and BYU in the mix, and Kohler told Jon Rothstein that he will explore a return to college for a fifth year. Rothstein also reported that a return to East Lansing remains possible.
Jaxon Kohler tells me that he will explore a return to college for a fifth year and is receiving interest from the following programs:
Kansas
Kentucky
BYU
Kohler averaged 12.5 PPG and 8.9 RPG last season at Michigan State.
A return to East Lansing is also possible.
- Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 1, 2026
If Kohler does move on from Michigan State, Tom Izzo’s comment that his roster is “all but set” suggests he’d likely land elsewhere.
BYU looks like a natural fit on paper. The Cougars have had trouble landing an impact frontcourt player this offseason, and the legal wrangling around extra eligibility could open the door.
Kohler is from Utah, so a move there would bring him close to home. He’d also fit cleanly into an offense-friendly setup where his numbers could climb.
Kansas brings a different kind of appeal. The Jayhawks already have what is being called the best power forward in the country in incoming freshman Tyran Stokes, but the question at center could make Kohler a real option there. He’d give Kansas a proven high-major frontcourt partner who can rebound and defend, even if it means the team plays smaller overall.
Kentucky also has a clear lane. The Wildcats could use depth at the four, and while they have Iowa State sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic, they could move him to small forward to make room for Kohler. His toughness and rebounding would fill a need as Kentucky continues to shape out the rest of its roster.
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