CBB Transfer Portal: Top 5 Landing Spots for Javian McCollum

5. Syracuse Orange

Javian McCollum left the state of Florida to play at Siena and begin his collegiate career. Siena is located in New York, and if McCollum was interested in playing high-major basketball in New York state, the Syracuse Orange makes the most sense. Syracuse was inconsistent last season and ultimately missed out on the postseason. Quadir Copeland is transferring, and top scorer Judah Mintz is likely heading to the NBA Draft, leaving a gigantic void in the backcourt. The playing time would be available, but Syracuse is not a likely contender to return to the NCAA Tournament, which could deter McCollum from considering the Orange.

Syracuse 2025 NCAA Title Odds: +10000

2. Creighton Blue Jays

Suppose Javian McCollum was interested in remaining in the same general part of the country as Oklahoma but playing for a more guard-friendly program. In that case, he should look at Greg McDermott’s Creighton Blue Jays. McDermott recently signed a long-term extension with the program and turned Creighton into a consistently high-scoring top-end of the Big East program. Trey Alexander is potentially heading to the NBA Draft, which would leave a hole in the lineup for a scoring guard, a hole McCollum can fill. McCollum was consistent throughout the Big 12 season, and he could see his numbers jump in a more uptempo system like Creighton’s.

Creighton 2025 NCAA Title Odds: +4500

3. Florida Gators

Javian McCollum is originally from Fort Myers, Florida, and there are a couple of good options if he desires to return to his home state. Todd Golden’s Florida Gators were a pleasant surprise throughout the season, and the young coach employed a high-scoring style that allowed guards like Zyon Pullin and Riley Kugel to thrive. Pullin has now graduated, and Kugel transferred to Kansas, so the Gators have to reload. Last season, McCollum scored 20 points against Arkansas, proving that he can get it done against SEC foes.

Florida 2025 NCAA Title Odds: +5500

4. Miami Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes were a talented mess last season. They struggled to find consistency and limped to a 15-17 campaign and a 6-14 record in the ACC. They have added two interior players via the transfer portal. Still, they need a scoring punch in the backcourt, mainly if players like Wooga Poplar and Kyshawn George go to the NBA Draft. Jim Larranaga typically lets his guards have a lot of freedom and shoot a lot of three-pointers. That could certainly be appealing for Javian McCollum. Add in the home-state appeal, and the allure of Miami and the Hurricanes could be an option.

Miami 2025 NCAA Title Odds: +5500

5. Syracuse Orange

Javian McCollum left the state of Florida to play at Siena and begin his collegiate career. Siena is located in New York, and if McCollum was interested in playing high-major basketball in New York state, the Syracuse Orange makes the most sense. Syracuse was inconsistent last season and ultimately missed out on the postseason. Quadir Copeland is transferring, and top scorer Judah Mintz is likely heading to the NBA Draft, leaving a gigantic void in the backcourt. The playing time would be available, but Syracuse is not a likely contender to return to the NCAA Tournament, which could deter McCollum from considering the Orange.

Syracuse 2025 NCAA Title Odds: +10000