Kentucky big man target Jaxon Kohler, 5th-year transfer, reportedly makes commitment pending eligibility ruling
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Kentucky and BYU were the finalists for Jaxon Kohler, a former Class of 2022 recruit and NBA Exhibit 10 signee with the Utah Jazz. The former Michigan State big man is seeking a fifth year of eligibility after the Colorado injunction opened the door to a possible return to college.
Despite a push from the Wildcats, Kohler on Thursday committed to BYU, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. The Utah native is originally from American Fork, just 20 minutes from Provo.
Kohler, who started every game at Michigan State in 2025-26, averaged 27.7 minutes, 12.5 points, and 8.9 rebounds for Tom Izzo’s team as the Spartans advanced to the Sweet 16. Kentucky is well aware of Kohler’s game: he scored 20 points against them in an 83-66 win on Nov. 18 in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden.
The big question is whether or not Kohler’s desire for a fifth year will hold up. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Jazz after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, eventually being named to Utah’s NBA Summer League roster. In four games, he averaged 6.0 points and 16.1 minutes.
The NCAA is looking to crack down on former Exhibit 10 players returning to the college ranks, even if they’re Class of 2022 players that would have otherwise qualified retroactively under the Colorado ruling.
On Tuesday, Texas A&M guard Bryson Warren, a former New York Knicks Exhibit 10 signee who played in the G League for several years, was ruled ineligible by the NCAA. Warren and the Aggies are fighting the ruling.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
