UPDATE: The 2025 college basketball transfer portal has caused a massive reshuffle among teams, with some programs gaining significant talent while others face staggering losses. This year’s transfer dynamics are reshaping rosters across the nation, making it a pivotal moment for schools vying for championship glory.
NEW REPORTS reveal that the Oklahoma Sooners have emerged as the biggest winners, adding a remarkable +12.5 average net score in transfers. They have brought in four top-60 transfers, including No. 26 Xzayvier Brown from Saint Joseph’s and No. 42 Derrion Reid from Alabama, while losing no ranked players. This marks a significant turnaround for the Sooners, who previously struggled with transfer losses.
Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines are not far behind with a net gain of +10.5 points. They bolstered their roster with standout additions like No. 3 Yaxel Lendeborg from UAB and No. 23 Morez Johnson Jr. from Illinois, offsetting losses, including No. 57 Tre Donaldson to Miami.
The Kentucky Wildcats also exploited the portal effectively, adding 14 ranked players including No. 7 Jayden Quaintance from Arizona State. Their net gain stands at +10.2, showcasing their ongoing commitment to securing top talent.
Adding to the excitement, the St. John’s Red Storm and Washington Huskies have also made significant strides. St. John’s added 15 ranked players, highlighted by No. 10 Ian Jackson from North Carolina, boosting their score to +8.5. Meanwhile, Washington, under new leadership, brought in No. 13 Wesley Yates III from USC, achieving a net score of +7.5.
On the flip side, some teams are feeling the sting of losses. The Arkansas Razorbacks suffered the most, with a shocking net loss of -15 after losing key players like No. 6 Boogie Fland to Florida. This indicates a dramatic shift for a team that had been a consistent player in the transfer market.
The Memphis Tigers and Kansas Jayhawks are also in the red, each losing -8 points. Memphis lost its leading scorer P.J. Haggerty to Kansas State, marking a significant blow to their roster depth. Kansas, traditionally strong in transfers, only added one ranked player, indicating a worrying trend for the program.
The Maryland Terrapins and Arizona State Sun Devils join the ranks of teams experiencing major losses, with net scores of -7.8 and -7.7 respectively, as both schools struggle to maintain competitive rosters amid significant departures.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these roster changes impact performance on the court. Teams that successfully navigated the transfer portal will look to capitalize on their new talent, while those facing heavy losses will need to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge.
This year’s transfer portal activity is a clear indicator of the ongoing evolution in college basketball, where roster management is more crucial than ever. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as teams prepare for the upcoming season, ready to see who will rise and who will fall in this ever-changing landscape.