Kentucky Basketball Named One of College Basketball’s Biggest Transfer Portal Winners for 2024-25 Season by CBS Sports Analysts

When the 2023-24 season came to a close, Kentucky basketball found itself at a crossroads. The Wildcats were staring down the loss of key players, an unpredictable coaching carousel, and the most volatile transfer portal period in college basketball history. Just a few short weeks later, the national narrative has done a complete 180. CBS Sports recently named Kentucky one of the biggest winners of the 2024-25 transfer portal cycle, a recognition that confirms the program’s rapid and remarkable reload under new head coach Mark Pope.

The announcement came as little surprise to those tracking the portal closely, but it is still a remarkable feat considering the transition Kentucky has undergone since John Calipari’s departure to Arkansas. The Wildcats were in uncharted waters, needing to replace not just a coaching legend, but also a roster stripped bare of star talent. And yet, Pope’s aggressive and calculated approach to roster building has turned Kentucky into a portal powerhouse practically overnight.

At the center of Kentucky’s resurgence is Pope himself, a former Wildcat who won a national championship with the team in 1996. From the moment he took over in Lexington, he made one thing abundantly clear: Kentucky was not going to rebuild — it was going to reload. Backed by a rich basketball tradition, an elite brand, and unmatched fan support, Pope tapped into the transfer portal with precision, quickly putting together one of the most talented and experienced rosters in the country.

Among the headlining additions is Oklahoma State’s Brandon Garrison, a 6-foot-11 center and former McDonald’s All-American. Garrison brings immediate size, shot-blocking, and rebounding to the frontcourt, addressing one of Kentucky’s most glaring needs. In a conference like the SEC, where physicality in the paint can decide games, Garrison’s presence could prove vital to the Wildcats’ success. His ability to protect the rim and score efficiently around the basket will provide a sturdy anchor for Pope’s system.

The Wildcats also secured another major frontcourt piece in Oumar Ballo, the Arizona transfer who was one of the most coveted big men available. Ballo, standing at 7-foot and weighing 260 pounds, has averaged nearly a double-double over the past two seasons and brings a level of physical maturity and low-post skill that immediately elevates Kentucky’s ceiling. Together, Garrison and Ballo form one of the most intimidating frontcourt tandems in the nation — a rare blend of size, athleticism, and proven production.

But it’s not just the frontcourt where Kentucky has flourished. Pope’s staff brought in a handful of elite perimeter players who are expected to start or contribute heavily from day one. Former Dayton star Koby Brea, regarded as one of the best pure shooters in the portal, committed to Kentucky shortly after entering his name. Brea gives the Wildcats a deadeye threat from deep, something that will stretch opposing defenses and open up opportunities for interior playmakers.

Pope also secured the services of former San Diego State standout Lamont Butler, who rose to national fame during the Aztecs’ run to the 2023 national championship game. Butler brings toughness, experience, and two-way ability to the backcourt. He’s a veteran guard who has played in big games and hit clutch shots, and his leadership will be invaluable on a Kentucky team with high expectations but many new faces.

Another major get was Andrew Carr, a versatile forward from Wake Forest who averaged double-digit scoring and brings an excellent mix of size and shooting. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and contribute on the boards makes him a modern, valuable piece in today’s game. Carr’s presence will give Pope flexibility with his lineups and offer matchup advantages in both non-conference and SEC play.

The depth doesn’t stop there. Pope and his staff made a point to find high-character, high-IQ players who can fill roles and compete right away. Players like Amari Williams from Drexel, Collin Chandler from BYU (who originally signed with Pope before leaving for a mission), and other incoming talent add important layers to a roster that’s built for both immediate impact and long-term cohesion.

For all the talent Kentucky gained, the way the Wildcats landed these players is just as important. Pope focused on building relationships and selling a vision, not just selling a brand. He leaned into Kentucky’s history, but also made it clear this was about creating a new chapter, one where player development, accountability, and togetherness would be foundational pillars. In an era where NIL and brand visibility matter, Kentucky offered both, but Pope’s authenticity and connection with players made a major difference.

CBS Sports emphasized this balanced approach in naming Kentucky a top transfer portal winner. Their analysis pointed out how Pope didn’t just go after the flashiest names — he targeted needs, prioritized fit, and built a roster with complementary pieces rather than overlapping skill sets. It’s that thoughtful strategy that separates Kentucky from many other programs scrambling for answers in the portal.

There’s also a deeper significance to Kentucky’s transfer portal success. This wasn’t just about recovering from roster attrition or keeping the program afloat during a transition. This was about restoring belief — among the fanbase, the national media, and perhaps most importantly, among the players themselves. Pope’s ability to quickly stabilize and elevate the program has sparked optimism that Kentucky can once again be a perennial Final Four threat, even in an era of rapid change and unpredictability.

The Wildcats’ roster heading into the 2024-25 season may not feature a single returning starter from last year, but what it does have is a group of players who have played significant minutes at the college level, many of whom have won at a high level. In some ways, it’s the most experienced Kentucky team in years — a dramatic shift from the one-and-done era that defined much of the Calipari tenure. That experience could be the key difference when SEC play begins and March Madness looms.

Of course, questions remain. With so many new faces, chemistry will be critical. Can this group come together quickly and form a cohesive unit? Can they share the ball, play unselfishly, and commit defensively? Those are fair concerns for any portal-heavy team. But the early returns from offseason workouts and summer practices are promising. There’s a clear energy and purpose within the locker room, and Pope’s detail-oriented coaching style has already set a high standard.

The fanbase has responded in kind. Kentucky supporters, long known as some of the most passionate in college basketball, have thrown their full weight behind Pope’s vision. Ticket sales, engagement on social media, and general excitement around the program have surged. For a program that endured years of postseason disappointment, this moment feels like a genuine reset.

The recognition from CBS Sports only adds to that momentum. To be considered one of the top transfer portal winners is not just a headline — it’s a statement about Kentucky’s ability to adapt and evolve. In today’s college basketball landscape, where rosters turn over year to year and coaching stability is increasingly rare, being able to pivot, retool, and compete immediately is the hallmark of a championship-caliber program.

Mark Pope’s first test as head coach has been passed with flying colors. The pieces are in place, the locker room is unified, and the national media is taking notice. What happens next will depend on how quickly this new-look Kentucky team can come together on the court. But if early signs are any indication, the Wildcats aren’t just back — they’re back in a big way.

Pope has said all the right things since taking over in Lexington. But more importantly, he’s done all the right things. And now, as one of the biggest winners in the portal era, Kentucky basketball is once again positioned to be a national force. The road ahead won’t be easy — it never is in the SEC — but the foundation is strong, the talent is deep, and the belief is real.

A new era has begun in Lexington. And according to CBS Sports, it’s already one of the most successful in the country.