Kentucky fans should hope for a quick commitment for Missouri transfer Mark Mitchell

Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats need to land Mark Mitchell soon.

Jan 27, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Aiden Sherrell (22) guards Missouri Tigers guard Mark Mitchell (25) during the first half at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Mark Pope and Kentucky fans received good news on Friday as it was announced that, through the court case here in Kentucky, Mark Mitchell was given a TRO. This TRO allowed Mitchell to hit the transfer portal and gave the superstar forward his fifth year of eligibility. This is good news, and quickly after receiving this TRO, Mitchell hit the portal with a Do Not Contact Tag. Some fans don't know how to feel about this.

I feel that the tag Mitchell entered with is a good thing. I have felt from the start it wouldn't make a ton of sense for Mitchell to file his court case in Kentucky and not come and play for the Wildcats. It sounds like the staff has either already conducted a Zoom call with Mitchell or is working to do so soon. Hopefully this goes well, and the Wildcats are able to get the job done.

Mar 19, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell (25) looks on during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The big key for Pope and the Wildcats is to get this done as soon as possible. I feel like the longer this plays out, the more worried I get about the Wildcats landing the elite power forward. Hopefully Mitchell will pick the Wildcats before the weekend comes to a close. It doesn't seem like there are many other suitors in the mix right now, but fans don't want to see this get drawn out.

If I am Coach Pope, I will send in the closer. Play Enter Sandman because it is officially Mo Williams time. This is the biggest recruitment of the Pope era because Mitchell is a player who can take this team to an elite level. If they have Mitchell, the Wildcats will be a top eight team in the nation and a true national title contender. Without Mitchell, the Wildcats will be good, but the expectation won't be this high.

Feb 21, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Mark Mitchell (25) shoots a free-throw during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The vibes are high right now in Lexington, and Mitchell would make them even higher. He averaged 18.3 points per game last season for the Tigers and was a force down low in the paint.

If Mitchell can improve this season as a rebounder and really be a help to Pope and the staff on the glass, he would be the perfect addition at the four. This is a very important few days for Pope and the Wildcats as they try to get the missing piece to an elite team.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook and YouTube for the latest news.