With the college basketball transfer portal deadline quickly approaching, Kentucky guard Travis Perry made a surprising last-minute decision to enter the portal, shaking up the Wildcats’ roster plans heading into the 2025–26 season. As a true freshman, Perry played in 31 games, starting four, and averaged 2.7 points in 9.7 minutes per game. While his stats were modest overall, he stepped up during a critical stretch of SEC play when injuries forced Kentucky to rely on him. During three straight mid-season starts, he averaged 8.0 points, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in 27.3 minutes per game, showcasing his potential in high-pressure moments.
Perry’s SEC Tournament performance further highlighted his growth, as he scored 11 points and grabbed four rebounds in 30 minutes against Alabama. Despite these strong showings, Perry’s role remained uncertain due to Kentucky’s loaded backcourt, especially after the recent commitment of Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen.
Before arriving in Lexington, Perry had already built a legendary high school career. He broke the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) all-time scoring record during his junior year and went on to lead Lyon County to a Sweet 16 title at Rupp Arena in his senior season. His stellar prep career earned him the title of Mr. Kentucky Basketball. Perry was the only holdover from the John Calipari era, making his departure particularly significant.
His recruitment had been a point of intrigue, as it was unclear whether former head coach John Calipari fully believed in his potential at the college level. Nonetheless, Perry ultimately committed to Kentucky, choosing them over a strong list of suitors that included Alabama, Cincinnati, Ole Miss, Purdue, and Western Kentucky.
Perry’s decision to enter the portal marks only the second scholarship departure from Kentucky following Mark Pope’s first season at the helm. The first was Kerr Kriisa, who transferred in but saw limited action due to a foot injury. Perry’s exit comes just weeks after another major backcourt shakeup — the decommitment of 2024 guard Acaden Lewis — which had initially opened the door for Perry to play a larger role in the upcoming season. However, the arrival of Denzel Aberdeen appears to have changed the trajectory once again.
Now, Kentucky’s coaching staff faces another round of roster adjustments as they finalize the core group for Pope’s second year. Perry’s departure is both a loss of in-state talent and a signal that the transfer portal will continue to reshape college basketball rosters in unpredictable ways.
For fans and followers of the program, Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) encourages them to stay updated with the latest portal news, roster breakdowns, and recruiting intel through their premium service, KSR+. The departure of a beloved Kentucky high school legend like Perry is a reminder of how quickly the college landscape evolves, and why staying plugged into trusted coverage is more important than ever.
