Forward Mark Mitchell is not joining Kentucky and instead is returning to Missouri rather than challenging the SEC’s rule against intraconference transfers, according to multiple reports on Monday.
Mitchell, a two-year starter at Duke before starting the past two seasons for the Tigers, was not listed on the Missouri’s official roster as of early Monday afternoon.
On Aug. 21, a judge in Louisville granted Mitchell and other student-athletes a temporary restraining order that restored a fifth year of eligibility and cleared them to enter the transfer portal. The 6-foot-9 Mitchell then committed to the Wildcats.
Mitchell was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2025-26 after averaging 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 33 games (all starts) for Missouri. He shot 54.7% from the field and 38.8% from 3-point range.
He has career averages of 13.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 134 games (133 starts) with the Blue Devils (2022-24) and Tigers. The McDonald’s All-American was a five-star recruit in the Class of 2022.
