The men’s college basketball transfer portal has been buzzing long before the Florida Gators celebrated as the 2025 national champions. With the portal set to close on April 22, teams remain on edge as players can still explore opportunities in the open market. There’s no fixed date for when players need to decide, which means teams will take months to finalize their rosters. However, some programs have already made impressive moves.
Numerous top players from the transfer portal have already made commitments, with new names appearing daily. Decisions regarding the NBA Draft are also rolling in, with players like BYU’s Egor Demin and Michigan State’s Jase Richardson recently declaring. Several top transfer portal players are evaluating their options between the draft and college, with a final decision required by June 15. Notably, Yaxel Lendeborg, who transferred from UAB to Michigan, is among those contemplating a choice between college and the NBA.
Emerging Standouts in the Transfer Portal
As the transfer portal window remains open for another week, early standout programs are emerging. Here’s a ranking of the most successful transfer portal classes in men’s college basketball so far this offseason.
9. LSU
Additions: G Dedan Thomas (UNLV), G Rashard King (Northeastern), F Marquel Sutton (Omaha), C Michael Nwoko (Mississippi State), G Max Mackinnon (Portland).
Despite failing to reach the NCAA tournament during his three years at LSU, Matt McMahon is bolstering his roster for the next season. Dedan Thomas, a dynamic 6’1 guard, has proven capable of generating offense and hitting pull-up threes at UNLV. The 6’10 center Michael Nwoko arrives after stints at Miami and Mississippi State as a strong defender, though he lacks offensive skills. Summit League Player Of The Year Marquel Sutton, a 6’8 wing, is also joining the team, alongside Rashard King to enhance perimeter scoring. Overall, LSU’s impressive class lends them a ranking on this list.
8. Texas
Additions: Dailyn Swain (Xavier), Camden Heide (Purdue), C Matas Vokietaitis (Florida Atlantic).
After moving from Xavier to Texas, Sean Miller wasted no time bringing a top prospect along. Dailyn Swain appears ready for the NBA, as a 6’8 forward who can contribute defensively and finish at the rim, despite having a three-point shooting weakness. Camden Heide, a shooter with a 39.2% shooting rate from Purdue, is anticipated to up his contribution next year. Matas Vokietaitis further strengthens the frontcourt as a 7-footer from Florida Atlantic. While Texas might still need playmaking, Miller is off to a promising start with these additions.
7. Washington
Additions: G Wesley Yates III (USC), C Lathan Sommerville (Rutgers), C Mady Traore (Maryland), G Quimari Peterson (East Tennessee State), F Jacob Ognacevic (Lipscomb).
After a dismal debut in the Big Ten, Coach Danny Sprinkle is looking to rebound with significant portal talent. Wesley Yates III arrives from USC after an impressive freshman campaign, while Quimari Peterson, the SoCon Player of the Year from East Tennessee State, adds further scoring. Jacob Ognacevic is another standout after his success in the Atlantic Sun. These transfers, combined with incoming freshman talents, ideally position Washington to move up in the Big Ten standings.
6. Georgetown
Additions: G DeShawn Harris-Smith (Maryland), G KJ Lewis (Arizona), G Langston Love (Baylor), F Duncan Powell (Georgia Tech), F Isaiah Abraham (UConn).
Under Ed Cooley, Georgetown has yet to reach the NCAA tournament in his tenure, but the talent added may change that. KJ Lewis, an athletic 6’5 guard from Arizona, offers aggressive scoring, while Langston Love seeks a resurgence after a solid term at Baylor. Duncan Powell’s shooting ability could stretch defenses, and DeShawn Harris-Smith was a touted prospect for Maryland. The centerpiece may be center Thomas Sorber, a potential first-round NBA draft pick with plans to possibly remain in college, providing Georgetown hopes for a Big East resurgence.
5. Creighton
Additions: G/F Josh Dix (Iowa), C Owen Freeman (Iowa), G Nik Graves (Charlotte).
Despite the loss of star Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton remains competitive with the additions made by head coach Gregg McDermott, including the top two players from Iowa in Josh Dix and Owen Freeman. Dix, a 6’6 shooter with a 42% three-point success rate, will boost the outside shooting, while Freeman provides a physical presence in the paint. Nik Graves from Charlotte helps create scoring opportunities, rounding out a high-potential transfer class that complements the returning roster.
4. UCLA
Additions: G Donovan Dent (New Mexico), F/C Xavier Booker (Michigan State), G Jamar Brown (Kansas City), C Steven Jamerson (San Diego).
UCLA scored big with Donovan Dent, who was named Mountain West Conference Player of the Year after a stellar season at New Mexico. The versatile Xavier Booker, a former five-star recruit, will contribute significantly to the frontcourt when he finds regular playing time. Steven Jamerson adds depth, while Jamar Brown’s shooting prowess from Kansas City will be valuable. Although UCLA faces departures to other programs, Dent’s addition positions them well for both immediate and future success.
3. Louisville
Additions: G Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State), F Ryan Conwell (Xavier), G Isaac McKneely (Virginia).
Under coach Pat Kelsey, Louisville made the 2025 NCAA tournament, marking a significant recovery from prior struggles. With the signing of talented scorer Adrian Wooley, a standout from Kennesaw State, and Ryan Conwell, who brings a strong three-point shooting ability, Louisville aims to elevate its competitive status. Isaac McKneely, another high-level shooter from Virginia, rounds out a talented squad, alongside incoming star freshman Mikel Brown Jr., propelling Louisville into preseason top-15 discussions.
2. Kentucky
Additions: C Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State), F Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama), F Kam Jones (Tulane), G Jaland Lowe (Kentucky).
Mark Pope’s first year at Kentucky was remarkable, leading a transfer-centric team to the Sweet 16. With Jayden Quaintance, a skilled young big man from Arizona State, entering the fold, Kentucky’s roster becomes even more enticing for NBA scouts. Additional pieces like Kam Williams and Mouhamed Dioubate, along with Jaland Lowe from Pitt, bolster the team further, creating a formidable lineup ahead of next season, complemented by the arrival of two top-tier freshmen.
1. Michigan
Additions: F/C Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB), F/C Morez Johnson, G Elliot Cadeau (UNC), C Aday Mara (UCLA).
Under Dusty May, Michigan transformed from a struggling program to a Sweet 16 team in one year, and is poised for even greater success with new arrivals. Yaxel Lendeborg, potentially the best player in the portal, enhances Michigan’s capabilities on both ends of the floor. Along with Morez Johnson and Aday Mara strengthening the front court, and Elliot Cadeau improving playmaking, Michigan is set for a strong season ahead, despite some significant losses from last year’s roster.
