Collin Chandler's ridiculous tomahawk dunk just broke Rupp Arena

We already knew Collin Chandler could fly. He proved that back in October when he won the Big Blue Madness dunk contest with a soaring dunk from the free-throw line. But exhibition dunks are one thing; in-game athleticism is another.

On Tuesday night, in Kentucky's season opener against Nicholls State, Chandler delivered a rim-rocking tomahawk slam so vicious it sent a shockwave through Rupp Arena and confirmed that his hype is very, very real.

Collin Chandler "has Bunnies" and Kentucky fans love it

The moment came about three-quarters through the second half. Kentucky had shaken off a sluggish start and was comfortably ahead by 30 points with just over five minutes to play. Chandler got the ball, drove at an angle to the rim, and elevated.

And elevated.

And kept elevating.

Chandler rose so high his head was nearly level with the rim as he flushed an absurd, one-handed power tomahawk dunk that left his own teammates stunned. Brandon Garrison, who was under the basket, was seen looking back at the play in total disbelief. He wasn't alone.

The announcer perfectly captured the moment for everyone watching at home: "Number 5 in white has bunnies."

What made the dunk even more satisfying was that it capped off a strong second half for Chandler, who, like the rest of the team, struggled to find a rhythm early on. After a frustrating first half, he came alive after the break, and this dunk was the exclamation point.

The Big Blue Madness dunk contest crown was the introduction. This dunk was the confirmation. Collin Chandler's elite athleticism is officially a weapon for the Wildcats, and he's just getting started.

Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion