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League: NCAAMSport: College SportsCountry: United StatesCategory: Recruiting

Mark Mitchell granted fifth year of eligibility, commits to Kentucky

4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 5:45 PM

Last updated Aug 23, 2026

Mark Mitchell granted fifth year of eligibility, commits to Kentucky
Summary

Kentucky basketball has added Mark Mitchell after a Kentucky judge granted him a fifth year of eligibility. A Jefferson Circuit Court judge ruled in favor of Mitchell and other plaintiffs, allowing them to re-enter the portal after the NCAA enforced eligibility limits. Mitchell, a former McDonald's All-American, was with Missouri before transferring. He averaged over 20 points per game and led the SEC in free-throw attempts last season. His commitment comes after Kentucky's previous frontcourt target chose another school. This addition is seen as crucial for head coach Mark Pope as he seeks to improve after recent SEC finishes.

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Status Watch
  • •Mitchell received a temporary restraining order granting him more eligibility.
  • •He entered the transfer portal with a 'Do Not Contact' tag.
  • •Mitchell led Missouri in scoring and assists last season.
  • •Kentucky's previous top target switched to BYU before Mitchell's commitment.
  • •The ruling against the NCAA indicates ongoing legal battles regarding student-athlete eligibility.
Latest Updates
  • 12:15 AMYahoo Sports — Former Missouri, Duke starting forward Mark Mitchell transfers to Kentucky for disputed 5th season
  • 5:45 PMYahoo Sports — Former Duke forward makes controversial commitment to Kentucky
  • 1:26 AMESPN — Mitchell commits to UK after judge grants 5th year
  • 11:43 PMYahoo Sports — From courtroom to Kentucky: Mark Mitchel is now a Wildcat
What they're saying
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Mark Mitchell, who started 133 games at Missouri and Duke over the last four years, is transferring to Kentucky for a disputed fifth season of basketball. The move was confirmed Sunday by his agent, Brandon Mitchell, who said the 6-foot-9 forward informed the Wildcats' program of his decision on Saturday. After scoring 18.3 points for the Tigers last season as a two-time All-SEC player, he signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets that was not guaranteed.

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Former Missouri star Mark Mitchell, who was cleared to play a fifth season of college basketball through a temporary restraining order, has committed to play for Kentucky.

— ESPNby Myron Medcalf
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After two seasons at Duke and two at Missouri, Mark Mitchell is hoping to play a fifth season of collegiate basketball with the Kentucky Wildcats.

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