Just when it appeared college basketball rosters were finally settled, another court ruling has opened the door to a potentially chaotic late-summer transfer portal period.
Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler is reportedly exploring the possibility of returning for the 2026-27 season following a preliminary injunction involving players who began their college careers during the 2022-23 academic year. According to college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Kentucky, Kansas and BYU are among the programs interested in Kohler if he receives another season of eligibility.
A return to Michigan State also remains under consideration.
Kohler has not publicly announced his intentions and was not in the NCAA transfer portal at the time of the report. Still, the possibility of adding an experienced, productive frontcourt player in August immediately makes him one of the most interesting names to watch.
Jaxon Kohler would be a major late addition
Kohler is not simply a veteran searching for a reserve role. He is coming off the best season of his Michigan State career after starting all 35 games and averaging 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds.
The 6-foot-9 forward also shot 50 percent from the field, 38.9 percent from 3-point range and 86.9 percent from the free-throw line. That combination of interior production, rebounding and outside shooting would allow Kohler to fit into almost any high-level rotation.
His experience may be even more valuable than his numbers. Kohler spent four seasons playing for Tom Izzo and developed from a rotational frontcourt piece into one of the Spartans’ most dependable players.
Izzo praised that development in March, describing Kohler as the “perfect Spartan” and comparing his steady improvement to the path taken by Michigan State legend Draymond Green.
That history would make a return to East Lansing the most familiar option. It also makes the idea of Kohler wearing another uniform especially intriguing.
Kentucky, Kansas and BYU could offer compelling opportunities
Kentucky’s reported interest is easy to understand. Mark Pope values skilled big men who can shoot, pass and operate within a movement-heavy offense. Kohler’s improved perimeter shot and physical rebounding would make him a natural fit for the Wildcats.
Kansas could offer another blue-blood destination and an opportunity to play for Bill Self. The Jayhawks are rarely going to ignore an experienced frontcourt player capable of producing immediately, especially when that player has already proven himself against Big Ten competition.
BYU may not carry the same historical reputation as Kentucky or Kansas, but the Cougars have become one of the most aggressive programs in the sport. Pope’s former program could provide Kohler with a significant role in the Big 12 and a system capable of highlighting his offensive versatility.
The biggest question is whether Kohler actually wants a fresh start. He spent his entire college career at Michigan State, became a full-time starter and developed into exactly the type of veteran Izzo tends to trust.
But the chance to use an unexpected fifth season at another national program could be difficult to ignore.
Kohler is also not the only former Spartan evaluating his options. Former Michigan State and NC State guard Tre Holloman is reportedly exploring a return to college basketball following the same injunction. Holloman averaged 9.2 points and 2.1 assists for the Wolfpack last season.
The legal and eligibility process remains fluid, and more established players could soon surface. If Kohler officially enters the portal, however, few available players would generate a more immediate blue-blood recruiting battle.
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