Huge Former Five-Star Recruit to Visit Kentucky in Transfer Portal

Just two years ago, Mackenzie Mgbako was one of the most sought-after high school prospects in the country. After originally committing to Duke, he made headlines by decommitting late in the process, sparking a high-profile recruitment battle. He ultimately chose Indiana over Louisville, but now, after two seasons in Bloomington, Mgbako is back in the transfer portal—and Kentucky could be his next destination.

According to Travis Branham of 247 Sports, Mgbako is expected to visit Kentucky's campus on Wednesday, as the Wildcats look to bolster their frontcourt depth. With Mark Pope aiming to build a competitive roster for the 2025-26 season, Kentucky has been aggressively pursuing wing and forward options in the portal. The Wildcats already secured a commitment from Kam Williams, and Mgbako’s visit comes just a day after Florida State forward Taylor Bol Bowen was on campus. It’s clear Pope is prioritizing size and skill at the small and power forward positions, and Mgbako fits the mold of what Kentucky is looking for.

The 6-foot-9 forward was a McDonald's All-American in the class of 2023 and was ranked as a five-star prospect by multiple recruiting services. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, which averages ratings from all four major recruiting outlets, Mgbako was the No. 12 overall player in his class. His blend of size, athleticism, and scoring ability made him an exciting prospect coming out of high school, but his development at the college level has been somewhat inconsistent.

Mgbako’s two seasons at Indiana showcased flashes of his potential but also highlighted areas for improvement. As a freshman, he averaged 12.2 points per game and earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. He followed it up with an identical 12.2 points per game average in his sophomore season, though his shooting percentages left room for growth. He connected on just 32.9% of his three-point attempts, a number he will need to improve if he wants to be an impact player at the next level.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Mgbako is whether a change of scenery and a new coaching staff can help him unlock his full potential. His offensive skill set is intriguing, but he needs the right system to thrive. Mark Pope has already shown he can quickly build a competitive roster, and if Mgbako chooses Kentucky, he could play a major role in the Wildcats’ plans for next season.

With Kentucky actively working the transfer portal, Mgbako’s visit will be one to watch. If he commits, it would mark another significant pickup for Pope as he continues to reshape the roster in his first full offseason in charge.