As Mark Pope works to put his stamp on the Kentucky Wildcats in his inaugural season as head coach, another notable name has surfaced on the transfer radar. Per a report from On3’s Joe Tipton, Kansas transfer guard Rylan Griffen is set to visit Lexington on Tuesday — a visit that could significantly influence the final composition of Kentucky’s 2025-26 roster.
Rylan Griffen’s Visit Could Be a Game-Changer for Kentucky’s 2025-26 Roster
As Mark Pope continues to reshape the Kentucky Wildcats in his first year at the helm, another compelling transfer target has emerged. According to On3’s Joe Tipton, Kansas guard Rylan Griffen is set to visit Lexington on Tuesday — a visit that could have major implications for Kentucky’s final scholarship spot heading into the 2025-26 season.
Griffen, a 6-foot-6, 190-pound wing from Dallas, Texas, brings a blend of SEC and Big 12 experience, along with something Kentucky still covets: reliable perimeter shooting. Originally a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, Griffen began his college career at Alabama, quickly establishing himself as a dependable three-point threat in Nate Oats’ up-tempo, perimeter-oriented system.
His sophomore year in Tuscaloosa proved to be a breakout campaign. Griffen averaged 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting just under 40% from deep. He played a key role in helping Alabama reach the Final Four, showcasing his ability to impact high-stakes games on both ends of the court.
After that standout season, Griffen transferred to Kansas with hopes of building on that momentum. But the 2024-25 season brought inconsistency for both the Jayhawks and Griffen, who struggled to find a steady role. He averaged just 4.3 points in limited minutes and never fully settled into the rotation.
Despite the dip in production, Griffen’s sophomore campaign remains a clear indicator of what he’s capable of when placed in the right system — and that’s precisely what Kentucky hopes to offer. In Pope’s offensive scheme, which emphasizes spacing, shooting, and ball movement, Griffen’s skillset fits seamlessly. His length and athleticism would also be a valuable asset on the defensive end, particularly in guarding multiple positions along the perimeter.
With 12 scholarship players currently on the roster, Kentucky has one spot left to fill — and Griffen could be the piece that completes the puzzle. Pope has assembled a well-rounded roster featuring elite freshmen, seasoned returners, and experienced transfers like Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, and Otega Oweh. Adding a proven scorer with high-major credentials like Griffen could significantly raise the team’s ceiling.
His visit to Lexington could prove to be a pivotal step. While a commitment isn’t guaranteed, Griffen checks multiple boxes for what the Wildcats need. As Kentucky nears the finish line in its offseason roster overhaul, this is a recruitment worth watching closely.
Leave a Reply