Mark Mitchell is currently working his way into an extra year of college eligibility through the recent 5-in-5 ruling chaos. If the All-SEC transfer does find his way onto the college hoops scene, Kentucky appears to be standing and waiting like your best friend at the airport. More smoke than ever is circulating around Mark Pope bringing Mitchell to Lexington.
CBS Sports' Isaac Trotter outright said "I think Mark Mitchell is going to find a way to get the right injunction so that he can play." Not only that, but Trotter also chimed in with an addition that will have the Big Blue Nation walking on air.
"The team that I’ve heard a lot about is Kentucky. That is definitely in play." Pickup up Mitchell would immediately transform this team into one worthy of contender conversations. We see you, Coach Pope.
If Class of 2022 players are granted another year of eligibility, Mark Mitchell could be one of the biggest names available.
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) August 10, 2026
CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter says Kentucky is “definitely in play” for Mitchell:
“The team that I’ve heard a lot about is Kentucky. That is definitely in… pic.twitter.com/5Y8MtLhMSQ
Trotter went on, praising the potential fit in the blue and white: "You think about a potential frontline of Milan Momcilovic, Mark Mitchell at the four... that would be a really, really impressive unit right there for Mark Pope."
Impressive is right. Trotter also noted that Mitchell likes Missouri, so a return to the Tigers remains possible. But at this point, if Kentucky has any chance of reeling Mitchell to the Bluegrass, this looks like a no-brainer investment with whatever the Cats have left in NIL.
Mitchell is an Obvious Investment For Mark Pope and Kentucky
In his senior campaign with Mizzou, Mitchell posted 18.3 points per game, as well as 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Time and time again, he was the catalyst for a Tigers team that played spoiler in the SEC. He put up 21 back in January to topple Kentucky at Rupp Arena.
Surely the BBN could forgive him if he decides to suit up in the blue and white, though.
Mitchell's 38.8% metric from deep also represents a crucial part of his game. As a 6-foot-9 wing, he's got no problems slicing through defenses to get to the rack. But his ability to stretch things out makes Mitchell perhaps the most ideal pairing with Milan Momcilovic specifically in the entire portal.
Mitchell Makes the Most Sense Alongside Momcilovic
His more physical style of play would align him naturally at power forward; there are few spots more beneficial in any starting lineup than the one between Momcilovic and Malachi Moreno.
At this stage, outside of someone like Cade Tyson, Mitchell may be the only target truly worth a bag on the market. We already know that Pope won't force any addition, but you almost think this one would be a "sign him and figure it out later" scenario.
Mitchell was already one of the best players in the conference last season. Add him to a Kentucky lineup that's already projecting well in the SEC, and you could be looking at a dark horse team for a conference title... if not more than that.
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