Mark Mitchell decommits from Kentucky, returns to Missouri

Mark Mitchell is no longer set to play for the Kentucky Wildcats, according to Jack Pilgrim of KSR. Mitchell has decommitted from the program and is instead rejoining the Missouri Tigers, where he spent the past two seasons.

Mitchell committed to the Wildcats on Aug. 22 and was expected to be the final offseason addition for head coach Mark Pope ahead of a crucial 2026-27 season. The change of heart comes after he received a temporary restraining order granting him a fifth year of eligibility and the opportunity to enter the transfer portal outside the normal window.

The SEC has a rule against intra-conference transfers who do not enter the portal during the normal window, with any violation resulting in heavy punishments for the coach and the school's athletic department. He also played for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Summer League, but did not sign a contract with them. With multiple hurdles to him suiting up for the Wildcats, he has opted to return to Missouri, where he will just have to fight for the extra year and not against the transfer rule.

Mitchell was named to the All-SEC Second Team last year after averaging 18.3 points, 3.6 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game. He shot 54.7% from the field, 38.8% from the 3-point line, and 66.9% from the free-throw line. He also made the All-SEC Third Team after the 2024-25 season, making him one of just the second player in Missouri history to earn All-SEC honors twice in his career.

He was ranked as the No. 6 overall player and No. 2 power forward in the transfer portal. Kentucky still has one of the best transfer classes in the country, but his loss is a major blow as they look to get back to competeting for national championships.

BREAKING: Mark Mitchell has decommitted from Kentucky and will return to Missouri, his agent tells KSR

This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Mark Mitchell decommits from Kentucky, returns to Missouri