Travis Perry is in the transfer portal. That much, Big Blue Nation can handle.
But now that schools are lining up for the in-state star — and the list includes some familiar, very emotional rivals — the question isn’t if Perry will transfer. It’s where he’ll land. And let’s be honest: some destinations would sting more than others.
So which school would hurt Kentucky fans the most if Perry takes his talents there?
Let’s break it down, emotionally, logistically, and brutally.
1. Louisville — The Unthinkable
If Travis Perry ends up in red and black, BBN might riot.
There’s no need for deep analysis here. Kentucky and Louisville don’t just compete — they define each other. The Cards stealing away a homegrown star who once proudly wore blue would be one of the most painful twists of all. Talk about rubbing salt in the wound.
Yes, Perry deserves to make the best decision for himself. But if he steps on the Rupp Arena floor wearing that jersey? It’s going to be a long, cold winter in the Commonwealth.
2. Arkansas — A Calipari Reunion?
It was Calipari who originally brought Perry to Lexington. Could the two reunite just one year later at Arkansas?
That scenario would absolutely torch the fanbase.
Kentucky fans already have mixed emotions about Calipari’s move to Fayetteville. Seeing Perry — a beloved, record-breaking Kentucky high school legend — follow him there? That would be brutal. Not because Perry left. But because he didn’t leave Cal.
That’s a twist even Hollywood might reject for being too cruel.
3. Tennessee — The rivalry is real
Rick Barnes already knocked Kentucky out of the NCAA Tournament. Now imagine Travis Perry suiting up for him.
Tennessee is already a thorn in Kentucky’s side. Adding a Kentucky native to the Vols’ roster would make things even worse. Every trip to Knoxville or visit from the Vols would come with that extra edge — the one that turns rivalries into blood feuds.
BBN loves their own. But rooting for one in orange? Never happening.
The "why?" tier
South Carolina — The Subtle Swipe
Not as high-profile, but still stings: South Carolina. Why?
Because that’s where Trent Noah was committed before Mark Pope came to Kentucky. If the Gamecocks respond by grabbing Travis Perry in return? That’s a cold SEC chess move.
Perry playing against Kentucky in Garnet & Black would have layers — and none of them would sit right.
🟡 The “We can live with it” tier
Western Kentucky – Heavily recruited him before, and it’s close to home (Eddyville). It would make sense. Fans would probably root for him — just not when he plays Kentucky.
Ole Miss, LSU, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri – SEC foes, but not emotional ones.
Iowa, Maryland – Out-of-conference and out-of-sight. These are the safest spots for fans who want to keep cheering for Travis.
So, what say you, BBN?
This isn’t about turning on Perry — far from it. Kentucky fans love their own. But if Perry ends up at one of these three places — Louisville, Arkansas, or Tennessee — it’s going to hit different.
No one blames the kid. But that doesn’t mean hearts won’t break across the Bluegrass.
Where do you hope he ends up? And more importantly... where can’t you bear to see him?