The college basketball season wrapped up with a thrilling finale in San Antonio, but for many programs, the action is just heating up as the transfer portal frenzy takes center stage. The clock is ticking on the current 30-day window that slams shut on April 22, and with top prospects making their moves, we're getting a clearer picture of who’s making waves for the next season.
As rosters start to shape-shift, many of these programs are looking to make a splash in the 2025–26 season. Whether it's a second-year coach trying to strike gold or a fresh face sparking a turnaround, these transfer classes are pivotal. Let's dive into some of the most impressive hauls from the transfer portal as of now.
The Baylor Bears, sitting at 18th, have caused a stir. But keep an eye on the Grand Canyon Antelopes, who are quietly climbing up the ladder as well.
Meanwhile, Tennessee is flirting with their first Final Four under coach Rick Barnes. The Volunteers snagged two promising four-star transfers in point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie and center Jaylen Carey.
Their arrival might just be what Tennessee needs to break into the elusive Final Four.
Over in the Big East, St. John’s has been busy, boasting two top-20 transfers for the next campaign. Bryce Hopkins, coming in from Providence, and Joson Sanon, a former Arizona State standout, are already penciled in for significant roles under the legendary Rick Pitino.
Alabama, tied with Georgetown for ninth, makes an interesting case. The Crimson Tide lost key players after reaching the Elite Eight, but they're retooling with a trio of transfers, including McDonald's All-American Jalil Bethea. His time at Miami set the stage for a bright future with Alabama.
Speaking of Georgetown, head coach Ed Cooley is rebuilding with vigor, bringing in five newcomers, including four-star talent KJ Lewis from Arizona. The Hoyas are eager to reestablish their tournament credentials and this transfer class is a promising start.
Maryland's new head coach Buzz Williams is wasting no time reshaping his squad. Pharrel Payne and Myles Rice are prime additions, and while there's more work to be done, the Terrapins have laid a solid foundation.
Iowa’s new leader, Ben McCollum, comes with a winning blueprint, bringing in four transfers from Drake. Bennett Stirtz, a standout guard, brings his high-scoring prowess to the Hawkeyes in what looks like a strategic rebuild.
For Creighton, efficiency is the name of the game. Josh Dix, a 6-foot-6 sharpshooter from Iowa, headlines their transfer roster. His impressive shooting will be pivotal as the Bluejays look to maintain their scoring punch.
LSU's offseason efforts might finally start paying off as they bring in standout Dedan Thomas from UNLV. His playmaking abilities position him as a cornerstone for LSU's efforts to climb back into contention.
Kentucky traps the third spot with a strong group headlined by five-star Jayden Quaintance. His play elevates Kentucky's prospect rank and signals a resurgence in the Wildcats' tournament ambitions.
Michigan takes a significant leap as they welcome Yaxel Lendeborg, the top portal prospect, into the fold. His versatility is just what Michigan needs to continue its explosive turnaround under coach Dusty May.
At the pinnacle sits Louisville, with Pat Kelsey pulling off a monumental recruiting coup by landing Adrian Wooley. Fresh off a stellar stint at Kennesaw State, Wooley’s all-around game has Louisville excited about the future.
With these power moves on the transfer chessboard, next season promises a roller coaster of thrills, and as these programs stack their decks, the excitement only continues to build. Stay tuned as more stars choose their new homes in this ever-evolving transfer saga.
