As Mark Pope continues shaping the Kentucky Wildcats in his first year at the helm, another notable name has entered the transfer conversation. According to On3’s Joe Tipton, Kansas transfer guard Rylan Griffen is set to visit Lexington on Tuesday — a move that could significantly influence the final composition of Kentucky’s roster for the 2025-26 season.
Griffen, a 6-foot-6, 190-pound wing from Dallas, Texas, brings with him valuable experience from both the SEC and Big 12, along with a proven shooting ability — something Kentucky is still aiming to strengthen this offseason. Initially a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, Griffen began his collegiate career at Alabama, where he thrived in Nate Oats’ up-tempo, three-point-focused offense.
He had a breakout sophomore season in 2023-24, averaging 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while knocking down nearly 40% of his shots from beyond the arc, playing a key role in Alabama’s run to the Final Four. He then transferred to Kansas, hoping to build on that success, but struggled to find consistent playing time and averaged just 4.3 points per game.
Despite the drop-off, his strong showing at Alabama suggests he could thrive in the right system — one like Pope’s, which emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and outside shooting. Griffen’s length and athleticism also make him a strong perimeter defender, adding another layer of versatility to Kentucky’s backcourt.
With 12 scholarship players currently on the roster, Kentucky has room for one more impactful addition. Pope has crafted a well-rounded lineup of talented freshmen, experienced returners, and strategic transfers. While players like Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, and Otega Oweh offer solid depth, adding a proven scorer like Griffen could elevate the team’s potential even further.
Griffen’s upcoming visit could be a turning point. With his shooting ability, experience at the high-major level, and two-way versatility, he’s an ideal target for a Wildcats team aiming to make a statement in Year Two under Pope. While nothing is set in stone yet, this is a recruitment worth keeping a close eye on in the coming days.
