Mark Mitchell is officially in the transfer portal, and he’s listed with a Do Not Contact tag.
That detail matters. In college basketball, that designation usually means one of two things: a player wants all communication filtered through an agent or family members, or he already knows where he’s headed and doesn’t want schools burning time on a pursuit that won’t go anywhere. Either way, it points to a fast-moving process.
That timing lines up with Kentucky’s situation. Classes are set to begin Monday, August 24, in Lexington, and Mitchell is now on the board as a player who could move quickly.
Missouri’s star forward entered the portal shortly after receiving a temporary restraining order that opened a new week-long transfer window. The two-time All-SEC forward now becomes one of the most notable names available.
Mitchell’s production last season made him a major target. The 6-9 forward averaged 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 33.8 minutes per game at Missouri, establishing himself as one of the SEC’s top players.
He also had a pair of strong showings against Kentucky. He scored 21 points on 7-15 shooting with four assists and one rebound in Missouri’s 73-68 win at Rupp Arena, then followed that with 32 points on 13-21 shooting and seven rebounds against Kentucky in the SEC Tournament.
If Kentucky gets involved, Mitchell could end up changing colors within the conference and joining a frontcourt group with Milan Momcilovic and Malachi Moreno.
In Other News...
Kentucky Is Counting On A Homegrown Lineman In A Huge Way
Malachi Wood has spent much of his Kentucky career waiting for the kind of opportunity that now appears to be right in front of him. The junior offensive lineman is positioned to step in as the Wildcats starting right tackle for the upcoming season, a notable spot for a player who has seen limited playing time but has stayed committed through coaching changes and the uncertainty that can follow them.
Woods rise matters because Kentucky is leaning on him to help anchor an offensive line that will feature several transfers around him, including Baylor transfer Coleton Price at center. The staff has been impressed by Woods talent and work ethic, and now the challenge is turning that promise into steady production when the season begins. [Read more 🡒]
Kentuckys Jager Burton Is Forcing His Way Into A Packers Battle
Jager Burton has been one of the quieter success stories in Green Bays preseason, and the rookie offensive lineman is starting to look like more than just a depth piece. Officially listed as a backup center, Burton has caught attention for the way he has handled himself at left guard, where his blocking and overall steadiness have stood out to coaches and analysts alike. The early returns have been encouraging enough to turn a developmental player into a legitimate part of the conversation.
For a Packers line still sorting itself out, Burtons rise matters because it gives the staff another option when the roster gets healthier. Coaches have already pointed to his progress and his work ethic, and the fact that he has forced his way into a position battle says plenty about how quickly he has adapted. If the competition tightens once other players return from injury, Burton appears to have given himself a real shot to stay in the mix. [Read more 🡒]
Kentucky May Be Gaining Early Ground With A Coveted Future Star
Mark Popes early work on the Kentucky basketball roster is already giving the program something to sell to the next wave of recruits. With Mark Mitchell committed for 2026-27, the Wildcats are building a future picture around talent and continuity, and that matters when the staff is trying to stay in the conversation with elite prospects who have plenty of options. It is the kind of background momentum that can shape how a younger player views Lexington before he ever steps on campus.
Benjamin Benji Berrouet looks like the sort of recruit who can turn that groundwork into a real battle. The top-ranked 2028 small forward has scheduled his first official visit to Kentucky for Oct. 9, giving the Wildcats an early chance to impress one of the most sought-after names in his class. Berrouet has drawn interest from multiple programs and recently added to his profile by earning MVP honors at the U16 FIBA EuroBasket tournament, so Kentuckys opening in this recruitment is promising even if the finish line is still a long way off. [Read more 🡒]