Two former Kentucky Wildcats are headed back where they started

TL;DR

Collin Chandler and Denzel Aberdeen, former players for the Kentucky Wildcats, are transferring back to their original schools, BYU and Florida, respectively. Both players were key contributors to the Wildcats last season but have opted to return home after entering the transfer portal again.

The Kentucky Wildcats filled the 2025-26 roster with a number of players from last year's transfer portal. However, things didn't work out, and now, a year later, they're rebuilding almost completely from the portal again after several elected to leave Kentucky via transfer. Two of them, Collin Chandler and Denzel Aberdeen, are headed back to where they began.

Chandler committed to BYU out of high school, but sat out two seasons to go on a mission. When he returned, Pope was at Kentucky, so he followed him to Lexington. After two years, though, he entered the portal again and has committed to BYU once again.

Aberdeen won a national championship with the Florida Gators in 2025, but surprised many by transferring to Kentucky for his senior season. He was sensational after being forced to play point guard, and they may have had a losing record if it weren't for him. His college career technically ran out, but some proposed rule changes may give him another season, so he entered the portal once again, and has chosen to head back to Florida.

Both players were a big part of holding the Wildcats together this past season. Chandler earned the nickname Captain Clutch while Aberdeen's play at point guard was integral to their successes. They will both be missed, but it's hard to blame them for wanting to go back home.

This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Two Kentucky basketball transfers end up where they began

Q&A

Why did Collin Chandler transfer back to BYU from Kentucky?

Collin Chandler transferred back to BYU after spending two seasons at Kentucky, where he had previously committed out of high school before serving a mission.

What impact did Denzel Aberdeen have on the Kentucky Wildcats last season?

Denzel Aberdeen played a crucial role for the Wildcats as a point guard, helping the team avoid a losing record and earning recognition for his performance.

Are there any rule changes that might allow Denzel Aberdeen to play another season in college basketball?

Yes, proposed rule changes could potentially grant Denzel Aberdeen an additional season of eligibility, which influenced his decision to enter the transfer portal again.