Ryan Black, Louisville Courier Journal
Updated Sat, May 9, 2026 at 8:10 PM UTC
Franck Kepnang commits to Kentucky basketball via NCAA transfer portal
LEXINGTON — Coach Mark Pope has found another center for Kentucky basketball‘s roster.
The Wildcats netted a commitment Saturday from Franck Kepnang, who has played on the West Coast during his college career. Kepnang’s pledge was announced by the UK Sports Network’s official account on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The 2026-27 campaign will be Kepnang’s seventh season as a collegian. The 6-foot-11, 225-pound native of Cameroon began his career at Oregon in 2020-21, a year in which the NCAA paused the eligibility clock for all athletes amid the coronavirus pandemic. After appearing in 35 games (with five starts) in 2021-22, Kepnang transferred to Washington.
He suffered a season-ending injury after playing in only eight games in 2022-23. In the next two seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25) Kepnang combined to play in 24 games.
Last season was his best so far, as he made 25 starts in 27 appearances for the Huskies.
Kepnang finished third in the Big Ten in total blocks (55) and blocks per game (2.07) in 2025-26. He also averaged 6.2 points and 6.3 rebounds in 22.9 minutes per outing.
Franck Kepnang highlights: Watch Kentucky basketball transfer portal commit
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Franck Kepnang to Kentucky basketball, Mark Pope in transfer portal