The college basketball transfer portal is a hotbed of activity, with over 800 players now on the market just hours after the official opening. This year's portal is particularly intriguing, with a mix of established stars and rising talents looking to make a move. Here's a deep dive into some of the top names and the potential destinations that could shape the upcoming season.
The Top Contenders
Flory Bidunga, C, Kansas
Flory Bidunga's name has been on everyone's radar for the past few weeks. With a strong performance in the postseason, he's now a highly sought-after transfer. The five-star center has high school ties to Indiana, but the Hoosiers aren't expected to be in the running. Instead, schools like Texas Tech, Louisville, Duke, St. John's, and BYU are keeping a close eye on him. Interestingly, last year, Bidunga was on the brink of joining Auburn, and the Tigers could be in the mix again.
Jackson Shelstad, CG, Oregon
Jackson Shelstad is a dynamic playmaker with an impressive shot-making ability. He's one of the top guards in the portal, and the race for his services is intense. Louisville and Arizona are the front-runners, with the Cardinals showing particular aggression. Arizona, meanwhile, is looking to fill a big need after Jaden Bradley's graduation.
Juke Harris, SG/SF, Wake Forest
Juke Harris, the Most Improved Player in the ACC, is a scoring machine with a 6-foot-7 frame. His production soared to 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Schools like Miami, Indiana, NC State, and Louisville are early contenders, but the competition will be fierce.
Rising Stars to Watch
Markus Burton, PG, Notre Dame
Markus Burton, a native of Indiana, is a productive guard with a physical presence. He averaged over 18 points and three assists per game. The Hoosiers are the favorites to land him, but Houston is also in serious contention. This could be a battle worth watching.
Paulius Murauskas, C, Saint Mary's
Paulius Murauskas is a strong, skilled big man who can score inside and outside. His head coach, Randy Bennett, has moved to Arizona State, but that doesn't guarantee Murauskas' departure. The Sun Devils will be in the mix, but keep an eye on UCLA and Oregon as well.
Acaden Lewis, PG, Villanova
Acaden Lewis, a skilled scorer and playmaker, is back on the market after a standout freshman season. He has experience with several top programs and is now committed to Kentucky. However, Miami and Texas are the top contenders, with both teams in dire need of a point guard.
Hot Properties
Devin Royal, PF/SF, Ohio State
Devin Royal, a hybrid forward, is a 'Do Not Contact' player, but that doesn't mean he's off the market. Villanova and Texas are the early favorites, but the competition will be fierce.
Dedan Thomas, PG, LSU
Dedan Thomas Jr. is a dynamic playmaker, and his marketability is high. While Arizona State and Arizona were initially speculated as destinations, they are now unlikely. Louisville, Texas, Alabama, and Kentucky are among the schools expected to be in the running.
Miles Byrd, SF, San Diego State
Miles Byrd is arguably the best perimeter defender in the portal. His versatility and defensive instincts make him a highly sought-after player. Early contenders include Louisville, Texas, Michigan, Cincinnati, Florida, Auburn, Providence, and Kentucky, among others.
The Transfer Portal's Impact
The transfer portal is a game-changer in college basketball, allowing players to explore new opportunities and giving teams a chance to rebuild or strengthen their rosters. It's a dynamic and unpredictable process, with coaching changes and player movements constantly reshaping the landscape. As the portal closes, the real drama begins as players and teams make their final decisions, shaping the future of college basketball.
In my opinion, the 2026 portal is a fascinating showcase of talent and ambition. The competition for these players will be fierce, and the impact on the upcoming season could be significant. As an expert, I find it intriguing to see how these transfers will shape the college basketball landscape and how the top contenders will emerge from the portal.
