Early names to watch for Kentucky ahead of transfer portal opening

There are a number of names that could be on Kentucky's radar beginning next week.

Mar 22, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope looks on after the game against the Iowa State Cyclones during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The transfer portal doesn't officially open until April 7, but coaching staff's across the country are already planning who to go after once they are able to officially contact transfers. Things have been very quiet regarding stay/go decisions for Kentucky, as many wait to see how their role may shape out for next season.

There is already buzz with Kentucky and certain players, as there are rumblings of who the staff is expected to target. Ahead of a busy few weeks, here are some early names fans need to know.

Tyrone Riley - San Francisco

March 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Francisco Dons guard Tyrone Riley IV (5) dribbles the basketball against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Khalif Battle (99) during the first half in the semifinal of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Riley is a player Kentucky was in on last off-season and now, they are expected to be involved again. First reported by KSR's Jacob Polacheck, a source has also confirmed that the staff is expected to have interest once the portal officially opens. Jason Hart was the lead recruiter for Riley last time, which means a new assistant will take charge. It's going to be interesting to see how far things go between the two this time around. Riley is certainly one of the most intriguing early transfers to keep an eye on.

Miles Byrd - San Diego State

Dec 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Diego State Aztecs guard Miles Byrd (21) against the Arizona Wildcats during the Hall of Fame Series at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Byrd is likely to be one of the top defensive guards in the entire portal when it's all said and done and may end up being a top target for the Wildcats. A 6-6 guard, he brings size and length at the two spot and if Kentucky can fill out the roster similar to the first season, with a number of shooters around him, BBN would love to have Byrd as a valuable piece. First reported by Polacheck, the Kentucky staff is expected to show interest.

Finley Bizjack - Butler

Feb 4, 2026; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Butler Bulldogs guard Finley Bizjack (11) dribbles the ball during the second overtime period against the Providence Friars at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

With Jaland Lowe's departure, Bizjack could end up being one of Kentucky's top point guard targets in the portal. Mark Pope and the staff are expected to show early interest, according to KSR. Bizjack can fill it up in a hurry as he averaged 17.1 points this past season for the Bulldogs. He also has playmaking ability, but his scoring ability as a 6-4 guard is what will have schools calling.

Camren Hunter - Central Arkansas

Nov 11, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; UCA Bears guard Camren Hunter (1) leads a fast break as Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) and forward Nick Pringle (23) look on during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 93-56. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Kentucky is expected to show interest in Hunter, according to KSR. Another fill-it-up scoring point guard, Hunter could also end up being a valuable option for Kentucky. Last season, Hunter averaged 21 points per game, including an impressive 49-point performance to end the year, where he shot 8-12 from three. Having a shooting threat at point guard is something the Kentucky staff needs to think about as the portal gets set to open.

Brett Decker Jr. - Liberty

Dec 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Liberty Flames guard Brett Decker Jr. (4) shoots a free throw during the second half of the game against the NC State Wolfpack at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

We have a new name on Kentucky's radar to watch, as the staff is expected to be involved with sharpshooting guard Brett Decker, a source indicated to Kentucky Wildcats On SI. Decker even has past ties to the state, as he grew up in Elizabethtown, KY. This past season, the 6-3 guard shot 47 percent from deep, including notching 11 20-point games for his squad. Multiple in-state schools are expected to be involved with the scoring point guard.

There you have it. Those are just a handful of early names to watch beginning on Tuesday, the start of what is expected to be a wild week for Kentucky fans as much more names will indeed pop up officially.