Reports: Mark Mitchell staying at Mizzou, not going to Kentucky

Feb 21, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell (25) shoots a free-throw during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images 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. --Field Level Media