Kentucky Wildcats Land Top Transfer Target in Lamar Wilkerson
The Kentucky Wildcats have officially added a major piece to their 2025–26 roster, landing one of the most coveted names in the transfer portal—Lamar Wilkerson from Sam Houston State. After narrowing his choices to just Kentucky and Indiana, the high-scoring guard made his decision public following a weekend of official visits. His commitment marks a significant win for new head coach Mark Pope as he continues reshaping the Wildcats’ lineup with a mix of experience and explosiveness.
Wilkerson arrives in Lexington fresh off a stellar junior season in which he averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His shooting efficiency was just as impressive—47.7% from the field, 44.5% from three-point range, and 82.2% from the free-throw line. He scored in double figures in every game last season, hitting the 20-point mark on 17 occasions. Kentucky now gains a proven offensive threat who can instantly elevate their backcourt production.
This commitment did not come easy for Kentucky. Indiana remained a strong contender throughout the recruitment, offering immediate playing time and a leading role within a roster still under construction.
However, Wilkerson ultimately chose the stability, winning culture, and experienced support system that Kentucky provided. Sources close to the situation suggest that Kentucky’s recent momentum under Coach Pope and the structure of its roster played key roles in the decision.
Coach Pope, who has been aggressive in the portal since taking the reins, now adds Wilkerson as the 13th scholarship player for the upcoming season. With an already deep and talented group, the Wildcats are building a roster capable of contending on the national stage. Wilkerson’s ability to score at all three levels and defend on the perimeter gives Kentucky the kind of versatility that could prove critical in tight SEC matchups and beyond.
While Wilkerson is expected to face competition for minutes, his consistency and poise should translate well to a bigger stage. His presence will allow Pope to deploy different lineup combinations, adding both scoring depth and flexibility to a team with championship aspirations. Fans in Lexington should expect him to play a significant role from Day 1, whether as a starter or a vital sixth man.
As the college basketball offseason continues to unfold, Wilkerson’s commitment signals that Kentucky isn’t just rebuilding—it’s reloading. With one of the most efficient scorers in the country now on board, the Wildcats have taken another big step toward returning to dominance. The spotlight will soon turn to how Wilkerson adapts to life in the SEC, but for now, Big Blue Nation can celebrate a major win in the transfer market.
