Ayanna Patterson, A 6-foot-2 forward, is transferring to Kentucky from Uconn, per On3’s Talia Goodman.
Patterson spent four seasons with the Huskies, two of which were spent rehabbing from injury, she still has two years of eligibility remaining.
In Patterson’s freshman season, in 2022-23, the former five-star recruit appeared in 30 games. She averaged 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.1 minutes per game.
In the spring following her freshman year, Patterson had a procedure to treat patellar tendinitis in her left knee. She was then required to get surgery on the same knee in December 2023, eliminating any chance of return for the 2023-24 season.
Patterson was set to return for the 2024-25 season, but suffered a shoulder injury in October that held her out at the start of the season. She neared a return in December, and even warmed up with the team before a game. The next day she suffered a setback that required surgery, holding her out for UConn’s 2024-25 National Championship season as well.
Patterson made her return to play on Nov. 9, 2025, 961 days since her last outing. She was able to put together another healthy season, appearing in 30 of the Huskies 38 games in the 2025-26 season.
In 5.1 minutes per game, Patterson averaged 1.7 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. Her best outing came against Butler, where she recorded five points and four rebounds in 11 minutes.
Patterson was the No. 4 ranked player on the 2022 SportsCenter NEXT 100, and the No. 1 ranked wing in the class.
Before her injuries, Patterson was known as an uber-athletic wing that likes to attack the rim and play tough defense.
😆😆😆 pic.twitter.com/eUmugG05Jz
— Ayanna Patterson (@ayannap34) August 7, 2020
She shared a video on social media showcasing her ability to dunk at 16-years-old. This is a skill that she has admittedly has lost since her knee injury.
The value that Patterson will provide for Kentucky will be dependent on two variables. Can she avoid major injury, and can she regain the athleticism that she was heralded for before the injury?
With two years of eligibility remaining, Patterson will have plenty of time for development. Head coach Kenny Brooks, who has been known throughout his career for developing elite post players, will have the chance to mold the former No. 4 recruit to his liking.
Patterson is the first member of the Wildcats 2025-26 transfer portal class. With Kentucky losing five seniors and three outgoing transfers, there will likely be an influx of portal moves in the coming weeks.