As the Indiana Hoosiers gear up for the offseason, one thing is clear: they need to bolster their roster. With three incoming freshmen and seven scholarship players eligible to return, the team is on the hunt for at least three more players.
Now, if you’ve been following IU basketball, you know it’s unlikely all seven will be back in Bloomington. But let’s not jump the gun on who might leave just yet.
Announcements of players intending to transfer are already making waves. Just yesterday, three players from IU women’s basketball made their intentions known. But remember, announcing intent is different from entering the transfer portal.
Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
Tampering: Officially, it’s a no-go. But in reality, back-channel communications have been happening for months. So, when the portal opens, expect a flurry of visits and commitments right away.
Announce Intent to Enter the Portal: Players can do this anytime, and many have already started announcing their plans post-season. This gives them visibility and attracts interest from college programs looking to recruit.
Transfer Portal Opens: Mark your calendars for April 7. This is when players can officially enter their names in the NCAA transfer portal.
Once in, there are no restrictions on contact. Last year, the portal opened for 30 days after the NCAA Tournament's second round.
This time, it’s the day after the national championship game.
(Note: For women’s basketball, the portal opens on April 6 and runs through April 20.)
Transfer Portal Closes: April 21 is the deadline for players to enter the system. Some might wait until the last minute, either due to uncertainty or to avoid a crowded market. By this time, Indiana’s roster for the 2026-27 season should be largely set.
Sign with a New Team: Players can exit the portal anytime. They just need to enroll at their new school in time for summer workouts or fall practice.
Indiana’s Transfer Portal Needs: It’s still early to pinpoint exact needs until returnees are confirmed. However, with no veteran point guards or big men eligible to return, those positions are top priorities. Coach Darian DeVries has stressed the importance of adding Big Ten size and depth.
“Developing more depth and having more size and physicality for this league is going to be critical,” DeVries noted after the Big Ten Tournament loss to Northwestern. “We just didn’t have the depth to sustain it over a 20-game league schedule.”
Coming Soon: Stay tuned for our annual transfer portal tracker, which will cover all the departures, additions, and potential prospects.