BREAKING: 5-Star Kansas State Commit and Elite Sharpshooter Rylan Griffen Stuns Wildcats Nation with Shocking Flip to Kentucky and Mark Pope in Massive Recruiting Coup
In a stunning twist that’s sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape, 5-star guard and Kansas State commit Rylan Griffen has decommitted from the Wildcats and announced his flip to Kentucky, where he’ll play under first-year head coach Mark Pope.
The decision marks a massive recruiting victory for the Wildcats of the Bluegrass, and a crushing blow for Jerome Tang and the Kansas State program, who had been counting on Griffen to be a cornerstone of their 2025 class.
Griffen, a dynamic 6-foot-5 sharpshooter known for his elite perimeter scoring, silky-smooth handle, and high basketball IQ, had been vocal about his commitment to Kansas State just weeks ago. His decision to switch allegiance to Kentucky caught fans and analysts alike completely off guard. Sources close to the situation say Pope’s relentless recruiting approach, combined with Kentucky’s tradition, NIL potential, and Griffen’s desire to play on the biggest stage, played a pivotal role in his last-minute flip.
“This was the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” Griffen said in a statement. “I have nothing but love for Kansas State and Coach Tang, but after talking with Coach Pope and seeing the vision he has for me in Lexington, I knew in my heart it was the right move.”
For Kentucky, this commitment is a major statement from Mark Pope, who has faced pressure to keep the Wildcats nationally relevant following the departure of John Calipari. Griffen instantly becomes one of the crown jewels of Pope’s first full recruiting cycle, signaling that Big Blue Nation isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It also adds fuel to the ongoing SEC arms race in recruiting, with Kentucky now surging ahead.
Meanwhile, Kansas State is left to pick up the pieces. Griffen’s decommitment is a gut punch for Tang, who has worked tirelessly to build a high-level roster and maintain national recruiting credibility. While the Wildcats still have talent on board, losing a player of Griffen’s caliber this late in the process is a major setback.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Mark Pope just sent a message to the rest of college basketball—Kentucky basketball is alive and well, and they’re coming for the top.
