College Basketball Transfer Portal: Latest Player Commits and Entries

The 2026 college basketball transfer portal has seen immediate and significant movement following its official opening on April 7, 2026. Several high-profile athletes have already pledged their commitments to new programs, while other top-tier talents have announced their intentions to enter the portal as teams begin retooling their rosters for the upcoming season.

Louisville emerged as a primary mover on April 12, 2026, by securing commitments from Kansas big man Flory Bidunga and Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad. Bidunga, who is ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the transfer portal with a 98 grade from 247Sports, is regarded as a late first-round NBA talent and one of the most effective defenders in the collegiate game.

During his sophomore season at Kansas, Bidunga averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and a Big 12-high 2.6 blocks per game. He also led the conference in field goal percentage, shooting 64.0% from the floor. The Jayhawks finished the season 24-11 overall and reached the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Tournament before being eliminated by St. John’s.

Major Men’s Basketball Commitments

Several other power-conference programs have landed key additions. Texas has added 6-foot-7 forward David Punch from TCU. During his sophomore year at TCU, Punch averaged 14.1 points, nearly seven rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, earning an All-Big 12 honorable mention.

Alabama has secured Kentucky forward Brandon Garrison, while Gonzaga has added Houston guard Isiah Harwell. Harwell, a former five-star recruit, averaged 3.6 points on 27.9% shooting during a challenging freshman season at Houston, which was impacted by an ACL injury sustained in 2024.

Miami (Fla.) has committed Georgia center Somto Cyril. Known as Baby Shaq, the 6-foot-11 center led the SEC in blocks per game with 2.3 and averaged 9.3 points and 5.4 rebounds. Cyril previously served as the 2023 Overtime Elite Defensive Player of the Year.

Other notable commitments include:

• Houston: LSU transfer Dedan Thomas Jr., who averaged 15.3 points and 6.5 assists per game before a foot injury limited him to 16 games.
• Michigan: Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella, a 6-foot-11 player who averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds in his junior season.
• UCLA: Texas Tech guard Jaylen Petty, who averaged 9.9 points per game as a freshman.
• Providence: San Diego State transfer Miles Byrd, the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year who averaged 10.4 points and 1.9 steals.
• Nebraska: Belmont transfer Sam Orme, who averaged 12.7 points on 55.9% shooting.
• Clemson: Notre Dame guard Cole Certa.
• Illinois: Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks.
• Tennessee: Loyola Chicago center Miles Rubin.
• Virginia Tech: Oklahoma forward Kuol Atak.

High-Profile Portal Entries and NBA Aspirations

On April 13, 2026, Wisconsin guard John Blackwell announced via Instagram that he will not return to the Badgers. Blackwell, who averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists as a junior, is entering the transfer portal while simultaneously testing the NBA draft process.

This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make because my experience here has been nothing short of incredible. The work I’ve put in alongside the guidance and direction I’ve received from Coach (Greg) Gard and his staff has helped me grow into a player I didn’t know I could become. But that growth is exactly what’s driving this decision. I believe I owe it to myself and my family to chase the highest level I can reach, and this is the right time to take that step and leap of faith.

John Blackwell

Another significant name entering the portal is PJ Haggerty of Kansas State. Haggerty led the American Athletic Conference in scoring in 2024-2025 and averaged 23.4 points per game in 2025-2026, ranking fourth in the nation. If he transfers, Haggerty will be playing for his fifth school in five seasons, having previously played for Memphis, Tulsa, and TCU.

Women’s Basketball Movement

The women’s transfer portal is seeing similar volatility. On April 9, 2026, Naomi White transferred to Tennessee. White was the Big Sky Player of the Year as a freshman, averaging 20.8 points per game and shooting 46.5% from three-point range.

Iowa State is facing a significant roster overhaul. Junior center Audi Crooks, who averaged 25.8 points per game and led the Big 12 in scoring, announced her intention to enter the portal on April 7, 2026. Crooks was a Second Team All-American and ranked fourth in Player Efficiency Rating nationally.

Joining Crooks in leaving Iowa State are junior guard Jada Williams, who led the Big 12 with 7.7 assists per game, and several other players including Addy Brown, Reagan Wilson, and Reese Beaty.

Virginia junior guard Kymora Johnson is preparing to enter the portal. Johnson led the ACC in assists (5.9 per game) and scored 19.5 points per game, helping lead Virginia to the Sweet 16 in 2026. Her decision follows the surprise firing of coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton.

The transfer portal for college basketball officially closes on April 21, 2026, although players may commit to teams after that deadline. The deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA Draft to maintain their college eligibility is May 28, 2026.