Mark Pope updates his thoughts on adding a 15th player to Kentucky's 2026-27 roster

There is a lot of craziness going on right now in college basketball, and some of it has to do with the recent rulings giving last year’s seniors (2022 high school graduates) a fifth year of eligibility. Mark Pope and the Kentucky staff have left the 15th spot on the roster open for an opportunity like this, and now it seems they might be able to add an elite player to the roster.

Coach Pope went on with The Field Of 68 yesterday, and one of the questions they asked him was about his plan for the 15th roster spot. Here is what Pope had to say to The Field Of 68 about his search for a 15th player: “We’re very aggressively looking at every opportunity, like we always will. If there’s something that arises that can really help us be better, we’re going to take advantage of it.”

Mark Pope on potentially adding another player 👀

“We’re very aggressively looking at every opportunity, like we always will. If there’s something that arises that can really help us be better, we’re going to take advantage of it.”

WATCH ⬇️https://t.co/VmtWm0pvzX
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) August 10, 2026

The two names that Big Blue Nation really wants to see Pope make a run after who have been given an extra year with this ruling are Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler and Missouri forward Mark Mitchell. Both of these players were really good last season, especially against the Wildcats, and would plug some serious holes on this Kentucky roster.

Coach Pope has talked about how his team lacks some physicality, and both of these players would bring that at an elite level. Another thing this team needs help with is rebounding, and that is an area where Kohler would be a big help. He averaged 8.9 boards per game last season for the Spartans. Mitchell only averaged 5.2 rebounds per game last season in the SEC for Mizzou.

Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell (25) reacts after a three point shot play during the second half against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On the offensive side of the ball, both players are good, but Mitchell has the advantage here as he averaged18.3 points per game last season. Kohler averaged 12.5 points per game, so he can score as well, but the edge here goes to Mitchell. Both of these players would be a really good fit for Kentucky, but I still give the slight edge to Kohler just knowing what he can do on the boards.

Fans are excited about this Kentucky team and believe that Pope has a roster capable of making a deep run as it is now. If you add Kohler or Mitchell to this roster, then we start talking about this team being a true contender to win it all this season.

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