Mitchell reverses Kentucky pledge, reenrolls at Missouri amid SEC rule

Forward Mark Mitchell has reenrolled at Missouri and will play for the Tigers next season, a week after committing to Kentucky, per multiple reports. The switch stems from the SEC's intraconference transfer rule, which blocks moves to another league school outside the spring portal window. Mitchell, an All-SEC performer last season averaging 18.2 points, bolsters Missouri's frontcourt and makes the Tigers a dark horse contender, while Kentucky loses a key piece.

Mitchell's return reshapes Missouri's frontcourt, joining Bryson Tiller, Jaylen Carey, and incoming freshman Toni Bryant. His All-SEC production from last season gives coach Dennis Gates a proven scorer alongside a rebuilt roster that also features top-five recruit Jason Crowe Jr. and Providence transfer Jamier Jones.

Kentucky must now adjust its rotation without Mitchell, leaning on Milan Momcilovic, Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, and Malachi Moreno. The SEC's enforcement of its intraconference transfer rule, announced late last week, effectively ended Mitchell's brief commitment, as both programs chose not to pursue further legal action after the Kentucky judge's temporary restraining order granted him an extra season.