Bluegrass Loyalty: Collin Chandler Explains Why He’s Staying at BBN for the 2025–26 Season
Lexington, KY — In an era defined by the ever-spinning carousel of the transfer portal and early NBA Draft declarations, Collin Chandler has chosen to do something increasingly rare in college basketball: stay. The sophomore guard, one of the most promising returnees on Kentucky’s 2024–25 roster, confirmed in a heartfelt press conference and exclusive interview that he will remain with the Kentucky Wildcats for the 2025–26 season. His decision comes amid a wave of departures and uncertainty following a transitional year for the program and the arrival of new head coach Mark Pope.
“I’m not done here,” Chandler said, seated at the Joe Craft Center with a Kentucky-blue backdrop behind him and a wildcat pin fastened to his jacket. “I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface — not only as a player but as a member of this community, of Big Blue Nation. This place means something to me. This jersey means something to me.”
A Year of Growth and Grit
Chandler arrived in Lexington as a versatile guard with tremendous upside. After serving a two-year LDS mission following his initial commitment to BYU, Chandler transferred to Kentucky ahead of the 2024–25 season. Despite joining a program in flux — with roster overhauls and a coaching change from John Calipari to Mark Pope — Chandler quickly adapted to the SEC’s pace and physicality.
He averaged 8.9 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game in a reserve role but earned increasing minutes as the season progressed. His energy, work ethic, and composure stood out — even in tight contests. One of his breakthrough performances came against Auburn, where he tallied 17 points, including a pair of crucial threes late in the game, to lead Kentucky to a comeback win at Rupp Arena.
Still, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Chandler struggled with consistency, particularly in early-season matchups. He candidly admitted in the interview that there were moments of self-doubt.
“There were nights where I felt like maybe I wasn’t cut out for this,” Chandler said. “You hear the noise — ‘Transfer portal, NBA prospects, why not make a move?’ — but then I’d think about how much I believe in what we’re building here. I believe in Coach Pope. I believe in my teammates. I believe in myself.”
Conversations with Coach Pope
One of the pivotal factors in Chandler’s decision to stay was his relationship with head coach Mark Pope. Though Pope had recruited Chandler years earlier at BYU, their connection in Lexington deepened throughout the season. Chandler described Pope as someone who “doesn’t just care about what you can do on the court — he cares about you as a person.”
“Coach Pope didn’t pressure me one way or another,” Chandler explained. “He just kept it real. He told me, ‘If your heart is here, I’m here to help you become the best version of yourself.’ That honesty — that meant the world.”
According to Pope, Chandler is “the kind of player every coach wants.”
“He’s a tireless worker, a leader in the locker room, and he’s got that rare combination of humility and fire,” Pope said. “He could’ve gone somewhere else and had more immediate control, maybe more NIL, but he chose to stay. That says a lot about who he is.”
NIL Temptations and Transfer Portal Pressures
In today’s college basketball landscape, name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities play a major role in player movement. Chandler received several inquiries from schools across the country — some of them reportedly offering six-figure NIL packages. Yet he remained unmoved.
“I won’t pretend like the offers weren’t tempting,” Chandler said. “They were. I’d be lying if I said otherwise. But I didn’t start playing basketball for the money. I started playing because I love the game. And right now, the best thing for my game — and for my future — is right here at Kentucky.”
He also highlighted the role of his family and faith in his decision-making process. “My parents taught me to finish what I start,” he said. “I didn’t come to Kentucky to do one year and bail. I came to leave a legacy.”
Eyes on a Breakout Season
With Chandler’s return, the Wildcats retain a steadying presence in the backcourt. His ability to play both guard positions, defend multiple roles, and shoot from the perimeter gives Pope crucial tactical flexibility. But perhaps more important than stats or skill sets is Chandler’s leadership.
“You’re going to see a different version of me next season,” he said. “I’m going to lead vocally, not just by example. I want the young guys to know what it means to wear this jersey.”
He’s already begun offseason workouts with returning players like Trent Noah and Brandon Garrison. The trio has formed what Chandler jokingly calls “the returner pact.”
“We’ve been here, we’ve felt the lows, and we’re ready for the highs. There’s something special about being the guys who didn’t run. Who chose to build.”
Big Blue Nation Responds
As news of Chandler’s return spread across social media, the reaction from fans was swift and euphoric. Tweets and posts flooded in under the hashtag #ChandlerReturns, with many praising his loyalty and calling him “a true Wildcat.”
Former Kentucky players also chimed in. “The kid gets it,” wrote Tyler Ulis. “BBN is lucky to have him.”
Rupp Arena’s student section, the eRUPPtion Zone, even began planning a banner in Chandler’s honor for the home opener in November. “He’s not just staying — he’s showing others what commitment really looks like,” said UK junior and student leader Mia Collins.
Looking Ahead
The 2025–26 season will present its own challenges. With Pope entering his second year, a new wave of freshmen and transfers on the way, and a fiercely competitive SEC, the Wildcats are far from a finished product. But with Chandler anchoring the backcourt and emerging as the face of the program, Kentucky has a clear identity.
When asked what his goals are for next season, Chandler didn’t hesitate.
“SEC Championship. Final Four. Banner 9.”
Then he paused and smiled.
“But first? I just want to walk back into Rupp on opening night, look around, and know I made the right choice.”
From his words, his demeanor, and his dedication, it’s clear: Collin Chandler didn’t just choose Kentucky — he chose to become part of its legacy. And Big Blue Nation wouldn’t have it any other way.
