Where Are They Now? Tracking Kentucky Basketball’s Spring Transfer Portal Departures in 2025
With the 2025 offseason in full swing, the Kentucky Wildcats have once again navigated the spring transfer portal — but this time around, there’s far more stability for second-year head coach Mark Pope. Unlike the whirlwind of roster turnover that defined his inaugural season in Lexington, Pope has approached this offseason with a more measured, strategic outlook. Rather than scrambling to add nearly an entire team of newcomers, the Wildcats entered the spring with a more solidified core and less urgency to chase down a double-digit number of transfers.
One major reason for this shift in strategy? Fewer departures. While some roster movement was inevitable, Kentucky didn’t suffer the kind of high-profile losses that other SEC programs or even last year’s Wildcats roster endured. Only two scholarship players entered the portal during the spring window — a significant step toward roster continuity that Pope and his staff can build on.
Let’s take a closer look at the scholarship players who exited the program this spring, as well as a few notable walk-ons, and where each of them has landed as they begin the next chapter in their college careers.
Kerr Kriisa (G)
Destination: Committed to Cincinnati
Veteran point guard Kerr Kriisa made headlines again this offseason by entering the NCAA transfer portal for the third straight year. A well-traveled super senior, Kriisa initially came to Kentucky last spring with the hope of bolstering the Wildcats’ backcourt with his leadership, playmaking skills, and experience at the Power Six level. Previously, Kriisa had made stops at Arizona and West Virginia, earning a reputation as a fiery competitor and capable floor general.
Unfortunately, his stint in Lexington was cut short. Kriisa appeared in just nine games during the 2024–25 season before suffering a season-ending lower-body injury in a non-conference matchup against Gonzaga. The injury was severe enough to sideline him for the remainder of the year, though he was granted a medical redshirt, preserving his final year of eligibility.
Now healthy and seeking a fresh start, Kriisa has committed to the University of Cincinnati. For the Bearcats, who are looking to make a push in the revamped Big 12 landscape, Kriisa’s experience could prove invaluable. At his best, he’s a high-IQ guard who spaces the floor with reliable shooting and can run an offense effectively. If he can stay healthy, Kriisa may have one last impactful season left in him.
Travis Perry (G)
Destination: Committed to Ole Miss
Perhaps the most surprising name to enter the spring portal for Kentucky was freshman guard Travis Perry. A local hero and household name in Kentucky high school basketball circles, Perry broke state records during his standout career at Lyon County High School in Eddyville. He was widely considered one of the top four-star recruits in the state and a key part of the Wildcats’ future backcourt.
Perry had moments of promise in his freshman year in Lexington. He saw action in several meaningful games, including SEC matchups, and started a handful of contests. In particular, his 12-point performance against Alabama in late February stood out, showcasing his scoring instincts and ability to compete at a high level. He also reached double digits in scoring during the SEC Tournament quarterfinals — another sign that he was turning a corner.
Despite those flashes, Perry opted to explore his options in the portal. He ultimately committed to Ole Miss, where he’ll join head coach Chris Beard’s fast-rising program. For Perry, the move could provide an opportunity for more consistent playing time and a system better suited to his offensive strengths. Given his pedigree and work ethic, Perry’s move to Ole Miss will be one to watch closely in the SEC.
Walker Horn (SG)
Current Status: In the Transfer Portal
Junior shooting guard Walker Horn also chose to enter the transfer portal this spring, though his departure didn’t generate as many headlines. Horn, a former standout at Austin (TX) Westlake High School, was a legacy player for Kentucky, having come from a basketball family — his father, Darrin Horn, is the current head coach at Northern Kentucky University.
During his three seasons in Lexington, Horn appeared in over a dozen games, mostly in late-game or blowout situations. His most notable stat line came during his freshman year, when he logged an assist and a rebound against South Carolina State. While he didn’t carve out a major role on the court, Horn was known as a dependable teammate and contributor in practice settings.
As of now, Horn remains in the transfer portal and has not publicly committed to another program. Given his background and connections, a move to play under his father at Northern Kentucky wouldn’t be out of the question, though no official decision has been announced.
Grant Darbyshire (G)
Current Status: In the Transfer Portal
Another player whose name quietly appeared in the transfer portal this spring was junior guard Grant Darbyshire. Like Horn, Darbyshire joined the Kentucky basketball program as a preferred walk-on back in the 2022–23 season. He had an uphill battle to earn playing time, especially in one of the most competitive backcourts in college basketball.
Darbyshire’s freshman year was derailed by a lower-body injury that forced him to redshirt. Over the next two seasons, he appeared in a limited number of games — only two during the 2024–25 season — including a brief cameo on Senior Night against LSU. Hailing from Cincinnati (OH) Sycamore High School, Darbyshire was known more for his effort in practice and his off-court presence than his impact in games.
Like Horn, Darbyshire’s future plans remain uncertain. While he’s in the portal and eligible to play elsewhere, it’s unclear whether he’s seeking an opportunity with more playing time or possibly looking to transition away from playing altogether.
Stability Under Pope
The most important takeaway from this spring’s transfer movement is not who left — but how few did. Compared to last year’s complete roster overhaul, Mark Pope has managed to retain much of Kentucky’s core talent heading into the 2025–26 season. While the losses of Kriisa and Perry are notable, especially given their potential contributions, Pope no longer has to scramble to build a full roster from scratch.
Instead, Kentucky can focus on strategic additions, player development, and building continuity. That alone marks a significant step forward for a program that has dealt with constant change in recent years. With a more settled roster and a coach entering Year Two with a clearer vision, Kentucky basketball may finally be turning a corner in the new transfer portal era.
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