Mark Pope, a transfer from Kansas, wins a recruiting battle. Rylan Griffen Is Visiting Kentucky
LEXINGTON, KY — The offseason is heating up for Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats, and on Friday, Big Blue Nation got a dose of promising recruiting news that could shape the team’s backcourt for the 2025–26 season.
With the NCAA transfer portal window closing soon, the Wildcats are pushing hard to bolster their guard rotation — and it looks like they may be gaining ground. According to Joe Tipton of On3 Sports, Kansas transfer Rylan Griffen is scheduled to visit Lexington on Tuesday, marking a significant development in Kentucky’s recruiting efforts.
This comes at a crucial time as Pope enters his second season at the helm, looking to build on a successful debut campaign that saw Kentucky finish 24–12 and make a run to the Sweet 16, where they ultimately fell to SEC rival Tennessee. With momentum on their side, the Wildcats are hoping to retool, reload, and raise expectations.
Filling the Kriisa Void
One of the top offseason priorities for Pope has been finding a replacement for veteran guard Kerr Kriisa, who transferred out after just one season. Kriisa’s leadership and playmaking were key ingredients in the Wildcats’ tournament success, and his departure left a noticeable hole in the roster.
Enter Rylan Griffen, a former top-60 recruit who has spent the past three years navigating high-level basketball in the SEC and Big 12. Griffen played two seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he developed into a capable scorer and consistent contributor, especially during his sophomore year when he averaged 11.2 points per game.
After transferring to Kansas for the 2024–25 season, Griffen played in 33 games and started 20 under legendary head coach Bill Self. While his production dipped slightly — averaging 6.3 points in 20.2 minutes per game — his experience, size (6’5″), and versatility still make him an attractive option for a Kentucky team looking for depth and maturity in the backcourt.
Building Year Two with Fresh Faces and Familiar Ambition
In addition to Griffen’s potential arrival, Pope has already added two exciting high school prospects in Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno, two freshmen expected to contribute immediately.
But Pope, a proven talent developer, knows that blending youth with experience is the key to building something sustainable. His teams at BYU and Utah Valley thrived when he was able to pair high-upside recruits with seasoned transfers — and that same formula is now being tested in the SEC spotlight.
Pope enters his 11th season as a head coach with more eyes on him than ever before. After five successful years at BYU and four at Utah Valley, his first year at Kentucky was a resounding statement: the Wildcats are still a force, and under Pope’s leadership, they’re ready to fight for national prominence again.
What’s Next?
Griffen’s visit to Lexington doesn’t guarantee a commitment, but it shows clear mutual interest. If Kentucky can land him, it would be a significant addition — not just in terms of talent, but also experience and leadership.
As the transfer portal clock winds down, Pope and his staff are working overtime to secure the final pieces of a roster they believe can go even further next season.
Big Blue Nation is watching. And with momentum growing, recruiting wins like this could be the fuel that turns promise into something unforgettable in year two of the Mark Pope era.
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