The transfer portal has significantly altered men’s college basketball, effectively turning every player into a free agent at the end of each season. While regulations may be on the horizon, we’re not there yet, and the landscape is unpredictable. It’s reported that there’s been a 65 percent increase compared to last year.
Last season, Michigan clinched the national championship with the help of four crucial transfers: Jaksel Lendeborg from UAB, Mores Johnson from Illinois, Adei Mara from UCLA, and Elliott Caddo from North Carolina. A year ago, I stated that Michigan had the top transfer portal, and I believe I was correct. It’s unfortunate, though, that while I recognized the strength of teams like Creighton, Georgetown, and Washington in that same column, none made it to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
To truly excel, teams should not only look for players who align with their system but also consider adjusting their system to suit the available talent. The transfer portal will remain open until April 21st, which is just a deadline, not a commitment. Competition for transfers is already heating up, with top talent already relocating. Here’s a look at some of the best players still unclaimed in the portal.
previous school: Pennsylvania
Dylan Mingo, younger brother of Kayden, has proclaimed himself the best player in college basketball, following his recent decommitment from North Carolina State. The question remains: will the Mingo brothers find a suitable new team together? That could be tricky since their playing styles are quite similar to a big point guard who struggles with shooting. Kayden had a standout freshman year at Penn State, proving himself a capable playmaker with solid defensive skills and impressive on-ball creation. His finishing at the rim was about 62 percent, with only a small percentage assisted, plus he had a solid midrange game. Meanwhile, Dylan has potential as a top pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, although Kayden is a more polished player and a strong asset in this transfer market.
Szarnowski’s stats (10.7 points, 6 rebounds per game) don’t fully reflect his talent. The 6’9 center was exceptional at Belmont last season, showcasing his two-way ability. Szarnowski was a strong scorer, shooting over 68 percent from the field, a solid rebounder, and a capable rim protector with an impressive block rate. His passing ability is notable too, with a high number of dunks and a 75 percent success rate at the rim. However, his free throw shooting is concerning at 43.6 percent; if he can improve that, he can elevate his game further.
McNeil is recognized as one of the best shooters out there, displaying both high accuracy and a high-volume shooting style. Last season at NC State, he managed to hit 42.7 percent from beyond the arc on a substantial number of attempts. He isn’t limited to just catch-and-shoot scenarios; he can navigate around screens and make shots from tricky angles. While he isn’t a primary playmaker, his ability to avoid turnovers combined with elite shooting should attract many teams in the portal.
Wright transferred from Baylor to BYU last year for a lucrative offer and is now aiming for another big payday, with Kentucky and BYU in the mix for him. The 6’1 guard stands out for his speed and knack for creating scoring opportunities, making 41 percent of his three-point shots. His midrange game is solid, although he sometimes struggles at the rim. As a reliable point guard with a decent assist rate, Wright is one of the top prospects available right now.
Hill, despite mostly coming off the bench at VCU, was recognized as one of the best players in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. After proving himself in a crucial first-round game against North Carolina, he’s ready for a larger role. Hill is a prolific scorer with a strong capacity to create shots for himself, excelling in both long-range and midrange shooting. A good passer who minimizes turnovers, he’s ideal as a secondary creator. While not a top defender, his scoring ability will certainly be in demand.
Freeman, an All-American in high school, has faced foot injuries in his college career. If he can stay healthy, his 6’9 frame and skills for rebounding and shooting threes could be immensely valuable. Although he shot just 30.2 percent from three last season, he is seen as potentially a better shooter with a solid free throw percentage of 77.5 percent and good midrange capabilities. Once he finds his rhythm, there’s reason to expect a standout junior season.
Blackwell has a knack for scoring efficiently and in abundance, having formed a powerful duo at Wisconsin in recent years. His shooting prowess, both deep and from midrange, could make him one of the most sought-after guards in the portal. He impressed last season, averaging nearly 19 points on a shooting split of 59.3 percent. While he leans more towards being a combo guard rather than a true point, his ability to create his own shots enables him to play effectively in various roles. Duke and Illinois appear to be at the forefront in pursuing him.
previous school: Wake Forest
Harris has also announced his intentions for the NBA Draft upon leaving Marquette and stands to gain even more financially in the transfer portal next season as a likely early second-round draft choice. The 6’7 wing has significant upside, a nice scoring touch, and is adept at drawing fouls. He excelled in mid-range shooting, with an impressive percentage beyond the arc that may not reflect his true capability. If he selects the right school, he could indeed secure a first-round spot in the 2027 NBA Draft. The choice will likely revolve around whether he focuses on the immediate financial gains or the long-term prospects.
previous school: Arizona
College basketball seems to favor big players once again, and Diop, standing at 7’1″ and weighing 230 pounds with a 7’4″ wingspan, certainly fits the bill. He proved himself last season, scoring efficiently, protecting the rim, and converting free throws at a solid rate. With a remarkable number of dunks and high shooting percentage around the rim, Diop is valuable as a defensive anchor. Still, he could thrive even more when paired with a stronger rebounder. After a promising freshman campaign at Arizona State, he’s likely to attract a lot of attention.
previous school: Iowa
Momsilovic might be one of the top shooters in college basketball, boasting an impressive shooting percentage from three last season. Although he’s declared for the draft, his lack of athleticism could push him towards a second-round selection, which might make staying in college more financially appealing. While his three-point shooting is noteworthy, he’s also shown great skill from mid-range. A shooter of his caliber will always be valuable in this game.
previous school: Santa Clara
No one really knew what to expect from Graves at the start of the season, but now he’s either looking at a first-round NBA draft selection or being the most in-demand player in the transfer portal following an impressive redshirt freshman year at Santa Clara. He nearly became the hero of March Madness with a clutch three-pointer against Kentucky before the moment was overshadowed by another buzzer-beater. Graves is a fierce defender with impressive ability to create turnovers. His rebounding skills and offensive efficiency have caught attention as well. With a stellar three-point shooting percentage and a compelling skill set, he’s expected to be a top pick, but the financial benefits of staying in college could be too appealing to pass up if sought after by top programs.
