NCAAB · 28 minutes ago

Top 10 Players Expected to Enter the CBB Transfer Portal

John Canady

Host · Writer

10) F Darin Smith Jr., Central Connecticut
Darin Smith Jr. proved to be one of the top scorers in the nation this season, averaging 20.7 points and 5.4 rebounds at Central Connecticut. The sophomores' monster campaign will likely attract several top programs. If he's allowed to prove he can contribute against top talent, there's no doubt that he'll rise to the occasion against elevated competition.
2026 College Basketball Transfer Portal
The time of year has come when the college basketball transfer portal is once again heating up. While the transfer portal doesn't officially open until April 7, the Tuesday after the National Championship Game, many players won't wait that long to make their intentions known. And before many of you even printed out your March Madness bracket, several have announced that they plan to enter the college basketball transfer portal.

The portal will be open for 15 days and close on April 21.

With several high-impact players expected to test the waters, from rising stars to proven veterans, these potential entries could shift the balance of power across the nation. Here’s a look at 10 players who have already announced their decision to enter the transfer portal when the window officially opens.
1) G Stefan Vaaks, Providence
Stefan Vaaks will easily be one of the top available players in the transfer portal after an extremely impressive freshman season at Providence. Averaging 15.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds, while shooting 40.3% and 35.0% from beyond the arc, the Estonian native showcased his versatility consistently. For teams seeking backcourt help, a six-foot-seven guard like Vaaks will be an ideal prospect to pursue, considering his size and talent level.
2) F Jamie Kaiser, Butler
Jamie Kaiser Jr. began his college career at Maryland, where limited opportunities led him to pursue a larger role elsewhere. In his first season at Butler, the oversized guard has quickly proven his versatility, serving as a capable defender who can match up with several positions, averaging 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1 assist, with efficient shooting splits of 43.6% from the field and 34.5% from three.

The sophomore will have several teams interested in the winning skillsets he has to offer, and don't be surprised to see him land with a top program looking for a playmaker willing to do the dirty work.
3) F Jahki Howard, Utah
Jahki Howard originally committed to Auburn as a highly touted four-star recruit out of high school. Still, after a lackluster freshman season with the Tigers, the forward opted to test the waters in the transfer portal last offseason. Landing in Utah, Howard was hoping a fresh start would be an opportunity for him to showcase why he was a top high school prospect. Instead, the raw talent only suited up in six games before his season ended abruptly ahead of his announcement to depart the Utes.

Howard's reputation for splitting from two teams isn't ideal for his young career, but there's no doubt a team will still be willing to take a swing at his talent.
4) G Deuce Jones, St. Joe's
Deuce Jones transferred to St. Joseph's ahead of the 2025-26 season after a solid year at La Selle last season, averaging 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 33 games. The combo guard suited up in only 10 games with the Hawks, but over that stretch, he again showcased how good he can be, posting 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 26.8 minutes per game.

The talent is there, and in the right situation, Jones could thrive.
5) G Tyler Lundblade, Belmont
Tyler Lundblade's college career began at TCU, where he spent two seasons struggling to see the court. After transferring to Belmont, he's quickly proven in two years that not only is he a consistent playmaker, but also that he brings several skill sets that contribute to winning. Lundblade was named the Mountain Valley Conference Player of the Year this season, averaging 15.6 points, while shooting 43.0% and 40.6% from downtown.

Keep an eye on the experienced prospect to find a new home quickly.
6) G Jake Fiegen, Cornell
Jake Fiegen has spent the last three seasons at Cornell, where he's gradually improved each year. The senior guard took his game to another level this season, averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, shooting 54.6% from the field and 41.4% from deep. The First-Team All-Ivy League nominee will be a huge pickup for whatever team lands him in the portal.
7) Corey Hadnot II, Purdue Fort Wayne
Corey Hadnot II has stuck to the grind at Purdue Fort Wayne over the last three seasons, focusing on his development while awaiting his opportunity. In his first two seasons with the Mastodons, the guard was given a minimal role that he used to show flashes of how electric he could be as a scorer. This season, Hadnot finally put it all together as a full-time starter, averaging 20.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, shooting 52.0% from the field and 35.8% from three.

There's no doubt that after his monster campaign this season, Hadnot will be an intriguing name for several teams.
8) C Matas Deniusas, UT Martin
Matas Deniusas wasted no time putting his name on the map this season, winning the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year award. The Lithuanian product proved to be a steady two-way force in the frontcourt, averaging 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, knocking down shots at an efficient 42.5% clip from the field and 33.6% from beyond the arc. Deniusas will be a player that teams seeking a stretch big man will prioritize on the open market.
9) G A'lahn Sumler, CSU
A'lahn Sumler won't be a name many people know, but he'll be a name many people come to learn if he lands with a top program in the transfer portal. After a breakout season at Charleston Southern, where he averaged 18.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, while shooting 48.0% and 39.6% from downtown, the six-foot-four guard will have several suitors to choose from in the transfer portal.
10) F Darin Smith Jr., Central Connecticut
Darin Smith Jr. proved to be one of the top scorers in the nation this season, averaging 20.7 points and 5.4 rebounds at Central Connecticut. The sophomores' monster campaign will likely attract several top programs. If he's allowed to prove he can contribute against top talent, there's no doubt that he'll rise to the occasion against elevated competition.
2026 College Basketball Transfer Portal
The time of year has come when the college basketball transfer portal is once again heating up. While the transfer portal doesn't officially open until April 7, the Tuesday after the National Championship Game, many players won't wait that long to make their intentions known. And before many of you even printed out your March Madness bracket, several have announced that they plan to enter the college basketball transfer portal.

The portal will be open for 15 days and close on April 21.

With several high-impact players expected to test the waters, from rising stars to proven veterans, these potential entries could shift the balance of power across the nation. Here’s a look at 10 players who have already announced their decision to enter the transfer portal when the window officially opens.

Top 10 Players Expected to Enter the CBB Transfer Portal

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