Top 65 Improved College Basketball Teams Via the Transfer Portal

65. Creighton Bluejays (Big East)

Top Acquisitions: Pop Isaacs (Texas Tech)

2023-24 Record: 25-10

While Isaacs is the only player to join Creighton via the transfer portal this offseason, he is good enough to help them sneak into our top 65. A double-digit scorer across his first two seasons at Texas Tech, he has solid offensive ability combined with some natural playmaking. If he wants to truly lead this Bluejays team out of the backcourt, his shot selection and overall shotmaking will have to improve as just a 35.6 percent shooter from the floor in his career.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +4000

Record: 3-0

2. Arkansas Razorbacks (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Johnell Davis (Florida Atlantic), Jonas Aidoo (Tennessee), D.J. Wagner (Kentucky)

2023-24 Record: 16-17

After being booted out of Lexington partially for being unwilling to adapt to the transfer portal and sticking to recruiting high schoolers, Coach Cal is singing a different tune this offseason with one of the top portal hauls in the country. Calipari was able to get a pair of his former players to follow him as Big Z and Thiero will be joining him in his debut season with the Razorbacks. The elite pulls of FAU's Johnell Davis and Tennessee's Jonas Aidoo are plug-and-play seniors in the starting five, a rarity for a Coach Cal team. Each of these four commits can be difference-makers next season, and it's strong enough to make Arkansas true SEC contenders in 2024-25.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +5000

Record: 2-1

3. Kentucky Wildcats (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Andrew Carr (Wake Forest), Otega Oweh (Oklahoma), Jaxson Robinson (BYU)

2023-24 Record: 23-10

Not only did Mark Pope reel in a monstrous crowd to Rupp Arena during his coronation as the next head coach at Kentucky, but he has also done a phenomenal job setting the program up for immediate success in 2024-25. The Wildcats have landed five elite portal prospects in Andrew Carr, Otega Oweh, Lamont Butler, and centers Amari Williams and Brandon Garrison. With seven outgoing transfers and the graduation of program cornerstone Antonio Reeves, there is no better way to get on the good side of Big Blue Nation than to bring in a star-studded transfer class to reload rather than rebuild.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +4000

Record: 3-0

4. Kansas Jayhawks (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: AJ Storr (Wisconsin), Zeke Mayo (South Dakota State), Rylan Griffen (Alabama)

2023-24 Record: 23-11

Mayo and Storr will be plug-and-play options, with Kevin McCullar and Johnny Furphy off to the NBA. Storr is a legitimate bucket-getter as Wisconsin's leading scorer, while Mayo took home 2023-24 Summit League Player of the Year. And while Kugel didn't put up flashy numbers at Florida, he had plenty of highlight-reel moments that showed flashes of his potential. This Jayhawks team struggled to stay healthy and didn't boast any depth last season, so these pickups have aided both needs. Currently, Kansas looks like your No. 1 roster in the country heading into the 2024-25 season.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +1200

Record: 3-0

5. St. John's Red Storm (Big East)

Top Acquisitions: Kadary Richmond (Seton Hall), Deivon Smith (Utah), Aaron Scott (North Texas)

2023-24 Record: 20-13

Let Rick Pitino cook! The Johnnies have landed two home run transfers in Richmond and Smith as dynamic combo guards out of the backcourt. We're not entirely sure how the two will play together as ball-dominant guards, but we trust Slick Rick to find a way to get them to mesh. Aaron Scott may be the sneaky get of this haul for St. John's. He is an exciting two-way player that is far lesser known. As was last season, there is loads of talent now on this St. John's roster. Now it's up to the program to get the most out of these players. It's exciting times in Jamaica, and the Red Storm have the group to rectify last season's failed NCAA Tournament bid.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +4000

Record: 3-0

6. Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten)

Top Acquisitions: Danny Wolf (Yale), Roddy Gayle Jr. (Ohio State), Sam Walters (Alabama)

2023-24 Record: 8-24

Dusty May showed that he means business ahead of his first year in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines were the first to show serious interest in Yale seven-footer Wolf, conducting an in-home visit earlier in April and cementing their status as a program ready to help him make the leap to the power conference level. A shock transfer by Gayle Jr. from Michigan's biggest rivals made for a pleasant surprise, while unproven rising sophomore Walters joins the mix from Alabama with loads of potential. While the dismissal of Juwan Howard from the program may have felt a bit premature for some Michigan fans, May is proving early on that he is the man for the job and is looking to reload rather than rebuild in the early stages of his tenure as the next Michigan man.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +7500

Record: 1-1

7. Memphis Tigers (AAC)

Top Acquisitions: PJ Haggerty (Tulsa), Tyrese Hunter (Texas), Dain Dainja (Illinois)

2023-24 Record: 22-10

It's a make-or-break season for Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway. While he has done a phenomenal job recruiting high-end talent to the program since taking the job, it's all amounted to just one NCAA Tournament win across six seasons. He's found a way to do it again this offseason through the transfer portal, bringing in a few impact pieces before we have even reached the month of May. Haggerty is one of the most underrated scorers in the country, averaging 21.2 points per game on 49.3 percent shooting from the floor in just his freshman season with Tulsa. Hunter will enter the fold as a three-time double-digit scorer in the Big 12 with over 100 games of Division I experience and a true knack for the point guard position. Dainja rounds out this grouping from Illinois, a brute big man who was squeezed out of the Illini rotation due to contrasts in playstyle. The talent here is great, but it's up to Penny to find success with these puzzle pieces and make them fight enough to succeed in what should be their title to lose in the AAC.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +15000

Record: 2-0

8. Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Aden Holloway (Auburn), Chris Youngblood (South Florida), Houston Mallette (Pepperdine)

2023-24 Record: 25-12

Just as he did last year, Nate Oats has continued to hit home runs in the transfer portal offseason. The Crimson Tide's class of transfers is headlined by plucking a stud freshman guard, Holloway, from their in-state rival, Auburn, an unfinished product that showed flashes of high-level production throughout the SEC season. South Florida transfer Youngblood will join him in the backcourt. This three-level scorer started his collegiate career at Kennesaw State, helping lead the Bulls and Owls to regular-season conference titles. Mallette is the final piece of this core trio, a high-level scorer from Pepperdine.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +1200

Record: 3-0

9. West Virginia Mountaineers (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: Tucker DeVries (Drake), Javon Small (Oklahoma State), Amani Hansberry (Illinois)

2023-24 Record: 9-23

The Mountaineers made one of the first major splashes in the portal this offseason when Tucker DeVries quickly chose to follow his father Darian to his new job in Morgantown to play at West Virginia. Later on, Oklahoma State's Javon Small made the intraconference move to the program, leaving the team with two of the top scorers in this year's portal. The cherry on the top is a pair of Illinois transfers in Amani Hansberry and Sencire Harris, both of which saw little playing time in Champaign last season but have high-end ceilings as former top 100 recruits out of high school with three years of eligibility remaining.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +20000

Record: 2-0

10. Kansas State Wildcats (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: Coleman Hawkins (Illinois), Achor Achor (Samford), Dug McDaniel (Michigan)

2023-24 Record: 19-15

The Wildcats had put together a solid transfer class heading into the summer, but the late commitments of Samford's Achor Achor and Illinois's Coleman Hawkins helped put group over the top. Achor provides a proven scorer that showed his abilities on the biggest stage with a 22-point, eight-rebound performance against Kansas in the NCAA Tournament. Hawkins has the size, versatility, and overall experience to be a do-it-all leader for this team. And Dug McDaniel is a strong three-level scorer that will provide some dynamism out of the backcourt. Jerome Tang has done well to gather some talent in the offseason, and it's time for Kansas State to make a return to the Big Dance. 

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +10000

Record: 2-1

11. Washington Huskies (Big Ten)

Top Acquisitions: Great Osobor (Utah State), D.J. Davis (Butler), Mekhi Mason (Rice)

2023-24 Record: 17-15

Danny Sprinkle has brought something that hasn't been in Seattle for well over a decade, and that's hope. These may be the highest expectations a Washington team has had in 15 years since Lorenzo Romar was at the helm. He most recently capped off an already strong portal showing by getting his former player Great Osobor to follow him now for a second time after following him from Montana State to Utah State last offseason. Osobor is a paint-dominant big that has All-American potential heading into his junior campaign. D.J. Davis and Mekhi Mason will be great additions to the backcourt, giving this team some serious scoring punch.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +25000

Record: 2-1

12. Ole Miss Rebels (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Dre Davis (Seton Hall), Sean Pedulla (Virginia Tech), Malik Dia (Belmont)

2023-24 Record: 20-12

Chris Beard is back with a vengeance, now at his new home in Oxford. Davis, Pedulla, and Dia all fall within our top 70 portal entries of the offseason and help round this out as a top ten class in the sport. With Juju Murray and Jaemyn Brakefield returning to the program as double-digit scorers for next season, Ole Miss should be in contention for a spot in the Big Dance next season. The Rebels have made the NCAA Tournament just three times since 2003. If someone could bring the program some unfamiliar success in the near future, it's Beard. Watch out for Ole Miss in 2024-25.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +7500

Record: 3-0

13. USC Trojans (Big Ten)

Top Acquisitions: Desmond Claude (Xavier), Chibuzo Agbo (Boise State), Saint Thomas (Northern Colorado)

2023-24 Record: 15-18

Whether it's on the high school or the portal trail, Eric Musselman is continuing to prove he is one of the top recruiters in the sport. From as far as the Big East and the Big Sky, the Trojans have accumulated talent from all over the country for what should be an NCAA Tournament squad next season. Claude's breakout season with Xavier helped him display his ability as a slasher out of the backcourt and an effective scorer at the rim. At 6'7", Agbo provides a lengthy shooter that will help space the floor and demand outside attention. Saint Thomas is next up out of Northern Colorado after we saw Dalton Knecht depart the program and become a First-Team All-American at Tennessee last season. While that may not be Thomas's ceiling, he's got the goods as a scorer to thrive on the offensive end at a Power 6 program.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +20000

Record: 3-0

14. Baylor Bears (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: Norchad Omier (Miami), Jeremy Roach (Duke), Jalen Celestine (California)

2023-24 Record: 24-11

This is quite a top-heavy transfer class for the Bears, but Roach and Omier are game-changing pickups. Both are All-Conference level players that will help immediately as fifth-year seniors with 250 games of experience between the pair of them. After that, it's just California guard Jalen Celestine, who will be a solid role player with a high floor as a sharpshooter but a lower ceiling. Regardless, it's quality over quantity with head coach Scott Drew's pickups this offseason. Add in top-five freshman recruit VJ Edgecombe to the mix, and this feels like a second-weekend team in 2024-25.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +4500

Record: 2-1

15. Texas Longhorns (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Tramon Mark (Arkansas), Julian Larry (Indiana State), Jayson Kent (Indiana State)

2023-24 Record: 21-13

The home run pickup here is Tramon Mark, Arkansas's leading scorer last season and an overall elite backcourt addition for the Longhorns. The Indiana State pairing of Julian Larry and Jayson Kent will surprise many unfamiliar with their games. Larry is a rim threat with his shiftiness, downhill attacks to the tin, and creative finishing at the goal. He attempted 62 percent of his shots in 2023-24. As for Kent, he provides a stretch forward who can dribble drive, move off-ball, and show off a soft touch from beyond the arc. The pickups aid the losses of Tyrese Hunter and Dillon Mitchell, putting the Longhorns back in the NCAA Tournament conversation for 2024-25.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +7500

Record: 2-1

16. UCLA Bruins (Big Ten)

Top Acquisitions: William Kyle (South Dakota State), Kobe Johnson (USC), Skyy Clark (Louisville)

2023-24 Record: 16-17

It was a tough 2023-24 for the UCLA Bruins, finishing the season under .500 for just the third time in 20 seasons. Head coach Mick Cronin knew that change needed to be made, so he hit the portal hard this offseason with some solid success. While William Kyle is a lesser-known commodity by most fans, he was an elite athlete for South Dakota State whose game should translate well to the high-major level. Kobe Johnson hails from its in-state rival, USC. He brings some elite defense and boasts plenty of intangibles that Cronin will love. As for Skyy Clark, Louisville's disastrous campaign overshadowed his personally successful season. He'll be a significant presence out of the backcourt as a scoring off-ball guard with two years of remaining eligibility.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +7500

Record: 2-1

17. Missouri Tigers (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Mark Mitchell (Duke), Tony Perkins (Iowa), Jacob Crews (UT Martin)

2023-24 Record: 8-24

After helping lead Missouri to an NCAA Tournament win for the first time since 2010, head coach Dennis Gates earned the patience of the Mizzou faithful in year one. A dismal 0-18 record in SEC play tested that patience in 2023-24, but he has proven that he can recruit with the best of them with this year's transfer class. It's headlined by a pair of big-name players, Duke's Mark Mitchell and Iowa's Tony Perkins, a pair of physical studs who have proven success at the high-major level and should bring experience and a winning culture to the program. The dark horse of this transfer class is Jacob Crews. The All-Ohio Valley First Teamer from UT Martin snuck onto our list of the top 100 players from this year's portal, bringing a three-level scorer with some serious upside. The skill gap is stark from the OVC to the SEC, but Crews could become vital if he gets up to speed with high-major ball by conference play.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +15000

Record: 3-1

18. Louisville Cardinals (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: Chucky Hepburn (Wisconsin), J'Vonne Hadley (Colorado), Terrence Edwards Jr. (James Madison)

2023-24 Record: 8-24

Pat Kelsey is proving his worth as a true player's coach before manning the sidelines for a single game at Louisville. While the names don't necessarily pop off the page outside of Wisconsin transfer Chucky Hepburn, there are some serious puzzle pieces here that fit together really well. James Madison's Terrence Edwards and Long Beach State's Aboubacar Traore were two of the premier mid-major players in the nation last season and should see no difficulty in the shift to the high-major game. Hadley was perhaps the most underrated piece on Colorado's second-round team in 2023-24, a double-digit scorer who will space the floor with his 42 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +10000

Record: 1-1

19. Illinois Fighting Illini (Big Ten)

Top Acquisitions: Kylan Boswell (Arizona), Tre White (Louisville), Ben Humrichous (Evansville)

2023-24 Record: 29-9

The fits here are exceptional and the roster composition really seems to be coming together for Illinois. Boswell and White are talents that still feel like they have some potential worth reaching as backcourt options that are both comfortable on or off the ball. Humrichous is one of the more underrated players in the portal, a 6'9" stretch forward who has gone from playing at the NAIA level to now the Big Ten in a matter of a year. Brad Underwood has done well to put the pieces together here, and it seems the Illini are reloading rather than rebuilding after their first Elite Eight appearance since 2001.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +6000

Record: 3-0

20. Georgetown Hoyas (Big East)

Top Acquisitions: Malik Mack (Harvard), Micah Peavy (TCU), Jordan Burks (Kentucky)

2023-24 Record: 9-23

Ed Cooley is ready to finally turn things around at Georgetown. 2023-24 did not go remotely close to planned as the Hoyas won just two games in Big East play, both over winless DePaul. The addition of Malik Mack is the headline here, entering off one of the best freshman campaigns in the country a season ago. He will be a center piece for Cooley, but it could take him some time to acclimate to Big East play from the Ivy League. Micah Peavy is a great plug-and-play starter with plenty of experience from TCU, while Georgetown will hope they can get more out of Jordan Burks than Kentucky did. There is undoubtedly more talent among this group than last season, and Cooley will need to improve upon last season's effort to win over the Georgetown faithful.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +30000

Record: 2-0

21. Ohio State Buckeyes (Big Ten)

Top Acquisitions: Sean Stewart (Duke), Micah Parrish (San Diego State), Aaron Bradshaw (Kentucky)

2023-24 Record: 22-14

There is loads of raw talent at head coach Jake Diebler's disposal with this group of incoming transfers. Both Sean Stewart and Aaron Bradshaw were five-star recruits out of high school seeking a second opportunity at with the Buckeyes after underwhelming showings at their first stops. They each boast loads of upside and may thrive better in a new location for their sophomore campaigns. Parrish enters as a veteran presence with 135 Division I games under his belt, including a trip to the national championship in 2023. Diebler proved his worth as a coach after taking over for Chris Holtmann at the backend of last season, and we are believers in his ability to get the most out of this transfer class.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +6000

Record: 2-0

22. Duke Blue Devils (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: Sion James (Tulane), Mason Gillis (Purdue), Maliq Brown (Syracuse)

2023-24 Record: 27-9

While the Blue Devils are well known for finding their talent out of high school, head coach Jon Scheyer has learned that the transfer portal must be embraced to find success in today's era of college basketball. Sion James blossomed into a really solid talent over his four seasons at Tulane and has developed into one of the best spot-up shooters in the country due to his impeccable form, finishing 2023-24 in the 95th percentile on spot-up triples. Gillis will be a perfect glue guy and veteran out on the court to help guide a ridiculously talented class consisting of five five-star freshmen. Brown may not see a ton of playing time, but he will provide some depth and a few years of Division I experience that Scheyer can lean on within his rotation. The Dukies will undoubtedly be a top-five preseason team entering the 2024-25 season.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +950

Record: 2-1

23. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: JT Toppin (New Mexico), Elijah Hawkins (Minnesota), Kevin Overton (Drake)

2023-24 Record: 23-11

Grant McCasland is ready for his Red Raiders to take another step in his second year at the helm. He has brought in a solid core of transfers ahead of the 2024-25 season, including one of the top names in the portal with JT Toppin. The New Mexico freshman was one of the most productive freshmen in the nation, and with three years of eligibility remaining, he's got the chance to be the face of the Red Raiders over the next few seasons. Elijah Hawkins enters from Minnesota after finishing third in the nation in assists per game last season, a dynamic playmaker that should thrive as the floor general of this offense.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +4500

Record: 3-0

24. TCU Horned Frogs (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: Trazarien White (UNC Wilmington), Frankie Collins (Arizona State), Noah Reynolds (Green Bay)

2023-24 Record: 21-13

Trazarien White was one of our favorite players in the portal, and his arrival will do wonders to aid the losses of Jameer Nelson Jr. and Micah Peavy in the backcourt. He was very efficient despite his heavy load at UNC Wilmington, and we could see more of the same at TCU. Frankie Collins should be able to help share that load, a double-digit scorer for Arizona State in 2023-24 who was a former top-50 recruit out of high school. We trust Jamie Dixon to put the pieces of the puzzle together, and the Horned Frogs are primed to be competitive yet again within the Big 12 next season.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +15000

Record: 3-0

25. Oregon Ducks (Big Ten)

Top Acquisitions: TJ Bamba (Villanova), Brandon Angel (Stanford), Ra'Heim Moss (Toledo)

2023-24 Record: 24-12

Despite making the tournament and winning a first-round game, it was a rather frustrating 2023-24 season for Dana Altman and Oregon. If it wasn't for a hot stretch of three games in Vegas to take the Pac-12 crown, the tone would be much different heading into next season up in Eugene. Altman knows that and has hit the portal enough to address his team's needs. TJ Bamba and Brandon Angel combine for over 230 games of Division I experience, injecting the Ducks with some veteran leadership and solid offense right away. Ra'Heim Moss is simply next up in a lineage of strong offensive talents to come from Toledo, and we'd be willing to bet that he'll be a great addition for Oregon in his senior season.

National Title Odds (Nov. 12): +10000

Record: 3-0

26. McNeese Cowboys (Southland)

Top Acquisitions: Brandon Murray (Ole Miss), Sincere Parker (Saint Louis), Quadir Copeland (Syracuse)

2023-24 Record: 30-4

Despite many believing that Will Wade would be on the move this offseason after an incredibly successful debut campaign at McNeese, interest was underwhelming in the offseason, and he has ultimately chosen to stay for a second season. Because of it, the Cowboys have now put together a roster that feels like it could contend in the top half of the SEC based on the high-major talent it has accrued. With Christian Shumate and DJ Richards returning to the program, McNeese could be one of the best Southland teams in the conference's history in 2024-25.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +25000

Record: 1-2

27. Arizona Wildcats (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: Trey Townsend (Oakland), Anthony Dell'Orso (Campbell), Tobe Awaka (Tennessee)

2023-24 Record: 27-9

While these are the only three commits within Arizona's transfer class this offseason, it's quality over quantity for the Wildcats. Despite Jack Gohlke's legendary first-round performance against Kentucky, Townsend was the true alpha for Oakland all season long and had the size and overall ability to compete at the Big 12 level. Dell'Orso's leap may be a bit more challenging, but only due to his frame rather than skill. Although he is just 190 lbs., he checks all of the boxes as a three-level scorer who can fill it up quickly. Awaka gives them some size down low that is now lost with the departure of Oumar Ballo. Expect him to see more playing time than just the 13.1 minutes per game he was allotted behind Jonas Aidoo at Tennessee.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +2500

Record: 2-0

28. Cincinnati Bearcats (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: Dillon Mitchell (Texas), Connor Hickman (Bradley), Arrinten Page (USC)

2023-24 Record: 22-15

The Bearcats might finally be back. After making the NCAA Tournament for nine straight seasons between 2011 and 2019, Cincinnati has failed to make the Big Dance since. Wes Miller faces a make-or-break season in his fourth year at the helm. He's landed some talented transfers, starting with former Texas forward Dillon Mitchell. A former top-ten recruit out of high school, Mitchell has the athletic tools to be a superstar. His jump shot has not developed at the collegiate level, but if he can get that going, he'll become a serious offensive weapon. Hickman joins as a 40-percent three-point shooter from Bradley, while Page will give them depth in the frontcourt.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +6000

Record: 2-0

29. NC State Wolfpack (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (Louisville), Dontrez Styles (Georgetown), Mike James (Louisville)

2023-24 Record: 26-15

While this incoming transfer class may not be headlined by more prominent names that most fans will know, this group still has some serious talent. Huntley-Hatfield and James are hailed as solid talents who were simply a part of a disastrous situation at Louisville last season. The pair will be a solid inside-outside duo that should be able to perform at an even higher level now that they are in a healthier situation. Styles enters from Georgetown, a situation that was not much better as the Hoyas won just two conference games in the Big East, both over DePaul. He would be best suited to improve his playmaking and shooting splits, but he'll provide some scoring pop for Kevin Keatts in Raleigh.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +20000

Record: 3-0

30. Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Darlinstone Dubar (Hofstra), Igor Milicic Jr. (Charlotte), Felix Okpara (Ohio State)

2023-24 Record: 27-9

Similar to Arizona, the Vols have a smaller but high-end transfer class. Dubar was easily among the most underrated scorers in the country last season at Hofstra, shooting 54 percent from the floor and knocking down 40 percent of his triples. Hofstra's recent lineage of elite scorers feasting at the high-major level - most recently Alabama's Aaron Estrada - bodes well for his transition. Milicic remains incredibly raw, entering his senior season as a stretch big with some serious touch and potential. Okpara provides a frontcourt Big Ten starter who does a lot of the little things and can put up a respectable performance in the paint.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +4500

Record: 3-0

31. California Golden Bears (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: Andrej Stojakovic (Stanford), B.J. Omot (North Dakota), Mady Sissoko (Michigan State)

2023-24 Record: 13-19

Stojakovic is the starlet of the bunch, a former five-star recruit and son of 16-year NBA veteran Peja Stojakovic. While showing flashes as an elite shooter and scorer, inconsistencies have been his Achilles heel. If he can string together some stronger performances at Cal, he could become the steal of the portal. Omot has the game to play at the next level as a lengthy, athletic forward who can create for himself off the bounce and spot up a jumper. His shooting splits could use work, but he was often forced to create offense for the Fighting Hawks last season. Sissoko disappointed in the interior of Sparty and should benefit from a change of scenery in 2024-25.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +25000

Record: 2-1

32. Vanderbilt Commodores (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: A.J. Hoggard (Michigan State), Devin McGlockton (Boston College), Chris Manon (Cornell)

2023-24 Record: 9-23

Newly-appointed head coach Mark Byington is making a splash immediately with this portal class, snatching some strong backcourt talent with Hoggard, McGlockton, and Manon. We saw what Byington was able to do with some solid backcourt pieces a season ago with James Madison in 2023-24, and we see it translating well to Nashville. It will take time to rebuild the program from its recent struggles, but this is an excellent start.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +20000

Record: 3-0

33. Xavier Musketeers (Big East)

Top Acquisitions: Dante Maddox Jr. (Toledo), Ryan Conwell (Indiana State), Cam'Ron Fletcher (Florida State)

2023-24 Record: 16-18

Sean Miller continues to prove that he has some pull in the portal. As a coach who has always gone outside the box for his talent via international recruits and under-the-radar transfers, this offseason feels no different with this group. While nobody in this grouping feels like a no-doubt home run pickup, odds are one of the pickups will turn into something special that Miller can rely upon throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +10000

Record: 3-0

34. Gonzaga Bulldogs (West Coast)

Top Acquisitions: Braeden Smith (Colgate), Khalif Battle (Arkansas)

2023-24 Record: 27-8

It's challenging to rank Gonzaga this high with just two incoming transfers, but the quality of the players makes it worth justifying. Battle comes in ranked 23rd in our college basketball transfer portal player rankings, providing an elite microwave scorer either off the bench or in the starting lineup. Smith could start right away for Mark Few, an intelligent game manager with the tools to facilitate as the floor general within this high-powered offense.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +1200

Record: 2-0

35. Miami Hurricanes (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: Jalen Blackmon (Stetson), Lynn Kidd (Virginia Tech), Brandon Johnson (East Carolina)

2023-24 Record: 15-17

After Blackmon's electric 43-point game against Austin Peay in March clinched Stetson's spot in the NCAA Tournament, it was clear that he had a chance to move to the high-major level in the offseason. Ultimately, he went with Jim Larrañaga and Miami, a program with a history of developing elite guard play. With Nijel Pack and Matthew Cleveland returning to pair with this trio, the NCAA Tournament feels like a realistic expectation for this group in 2024-25.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +10000

Record: 2-0

36. UConn Huskies (Big East)

Top Acquisitions: Aidan Mahaney (Saint Mary's), Tarris Reed Jr. (Michigan)

2023-24 Record: 37-3

The back-to-back defending national champions didn't make a significant haul in the portal this offseason, but they did get two quality pieces in Mahaney and Reed. With the roster gutted this offseason due to graduation and the NBA, it was vital for them to surround their remaining pieces and incoming recruits with some high-level players with experience at the Division I level. This duo will provide a fair amount of upside as immediate starters for the Huskies in 2024-25.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +1200

Record: 3-0

37. Maryland Terrapins (Big Ten)

Top Acquisitions: Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Belmont), Selton Miguel (South Florida), Rodney Rice (Virginia Tech)

2023-24 Record: 16-17

Gillespie is the headliner here as one of the more underrated players in the portal for our money. He was the do-it-all piece for Belmont a season ago, with the team showing off stark differences when he was available versus injured. Miguel also provides a proven scorer who will boost the offense, while Rice has plenty of eligibility left and feels like a bit of a longer-term piece for Kevin Willard.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +7500

Record: 3-0

38. North Carolina Tar Heels (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: Ven-Allen Lubin (Vanderbilt), Cade Tyson (Belmont)

2023-24 Record: 29-8

Two transfers are incoming for North Carolina this offseason, but that may be all they need. Lubin and Tyson are high-end players who will immediately make a difference in Chapel Hill. After a lackluster freshman campaign at Notre Dame, Lubin was able to show off a bit more of his skill set last season at Vanderbilt. As for Tyson, he was a three-level scorer for Belmont and provided one of the best sharpshooters in the country as a 47 percent shooter from deep a season ago.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +3000

Record: 1-1

39. Florida Gators (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Alijah Martin (Florida Atlantic), Sam Alexis (Chattanooga), Rueben Chinyelu (Washington State)

2023-24 Record: 24-12

Martin is the household name of the bunch, an athletic and energetic scorer who was one of the faces of Florida Atlantic over the past two seasons. While Alexis and Chinyelu are lesser-known, they are still guys who can contribute effectively on any given night and will be crucial pieces in the intriguing roster that Todd Golden is building down in Gainesville.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +6000

Record: 3-0

40. Virginia Cavaliers (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: TJ Power (Duke), Dai Dai Ames (Kansas State), Elijah Saunders (San Diego State)

2023-24 Record: 23-11

The fit at Duke may not have been the best for Power, but his talent is undeniable if you watch his tape from high school. Tony Bennett will look to harness that skill as best he can in Year 2 for the Massachusetts native. Ames showed flashes at Kansas State last season and has an excellent chance to take a significant step forward in his sophomore campaign, while Saunders's game perfectly fits Bennett's methods of play. There are some great pickups here in Charlottesville.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +20000

Record: 2-0

41. Florida Atlantic Owls (AAC)

Top Acquisitions: KyKy Tandy (Jacksonville State), Baba Miller (Florida State), Kaleb Glenn (Louisville)

2023-24 Record: 25-9

While Tandy joins FAU by way of Jacksonville State, his name will sound familiar to many from his four years at Xavier. He's got loads of experience at the higher level and should translate just fine. Miller remains raw, and his development will be crucial heading into his junior season. Add Kaleb Glenn, a top-100 high school recruit entering his sophomore season, and it's easy to see how high the ceiling is for this group.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +50000

Record: 2-1

42. Georgia Bulldogs (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Tyrin Lawrence (Vanderbilt), Dakota Leffew (Mt. Saint Mary's), RJ Godfrey (Clemson)

2023-24 Record: 20-17

It's time for Mike White to get the wheels turning at Georgia in 2024-25. After back-to-back seasons with a 6-12 SEC record, another failed season in Athens may turn the whispers into shouts and put him on the hot seat. Thankfully, he has a solid core of talent from the transfer portal, headlined by Vanderbilt's Lawrence, a 1,000-point scorer who will command the offense and bring some scoring punch. The same can be said about Laffew, an All-MAAC talent who can score at all three levels and should translate well with his size. Godfrey provides a solid rotational piece as well.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +15000

Record: 3-0

43. Providence Friars (Big East)

Top Acquisitions: Bensley Joseph (Miami), Christ Essandoko (St. Joseph's), Wesley Cardet (Chicago State)

2023-24 Record: 21-14

Kim English proved last year that he is more than capable of coaching within the Big East in his first season, and now he's proving that he is a capable recruiter within the transfer portal in his first true offseason. Joseph did well stepping into a starting role for Miami in his third season with the Hurricanes, providing a do-it-all guard that can create for himself and others. While injuries harbored Essandoko last season, he showed flashes of his capabilities as a seven-footer. Cardet is the cherry on top, the leader of the best season in Chicago State's history and a prolific scorer.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +25000

Record: -0

44. Mississippi State Bulldogs (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Riley Kugel (Florida), Kanye Clary (Penn State), RJ Melendez (Georgia)

2023-24 Record: 21-14

Expectations were sky-high for Kugel entering the 2023-24 season, with many believing he could get drafted this offseason. He didn't quite meet those expectations, but he still provides a super-talented guard that will be plug-and-play for head coach Chris Jans. Clary and Melendez don't quite have Kugel's star power, but they will provide crucial role-playing contributors for the Bulldogs. Pair this class with the potential sophomore leap from Josh Hubbard, and Mississippi State looks like an NCAA Tournament team come 2024-25.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +6000

Record: 3-0

45. Utah Utes (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: Ezra Ausar (East Carolina), Mike Sharavjamts (San Francisco), Mason Madsen (Boston College)

2023-24 Record: 22-15

This class won't wow anybody, but there are some solid pickups here by the Utes. Ausar is a total unicorn, a 6'9", 240 lb. big that moves like a gazelle and poses a terrifying defensive assignment every time out. It still feels like Mongolian Sharavjamts has some untapped potential that Dayton and San Francisco could not reach, so perhaps Craig Smith can utilize him effectively. Madsen was the heart and soul of Boston College a season ago and will join his twin brother Gabe in Salt Lake City.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +20000

Record: 3-0

46. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: Omaha Biliew (Iowa State), Ty-Laur Johnson (Louisville), Davin Cosby (Alabama)

2023-24 Record: 21-14

Steve Forbes takes the path of "one man's trash is another man's treasure" with his incoming transfer class. All three of his top incoming transfers are players who underperformed at their previous locations despite boasting loads of talent before the collegiate ranks. Biliew, a McDonald's All-American and five-star recruit out of high school, found himself buried behind Iowa State's elite rotation and frontcourt all season long. While Johnson showed off his skillset, he was doing so with the dumpster fire that was Louisville as his backdrop. And Cosby found himself in a similar situation as Biliew, deep onto the depth chart of a Crimson Tide team that reached a Final Four. All still have three years of eligibility remaining. Can you say future?

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +10000

Record: 4-0

47. Texas A&M Aggies (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Zhuric Phelps (SMU), Pharrel Payne (Minnesota), C.J. Wilcher (Nebraska)

2023-24 Record: 21-15

While Buzz Williams has had Texas A&M either in the NCAA Tournament or on the bubble for three straight seasons now, many are waiting for the time the Aggies break through and become a real contender in the SEC and perhaps for the second weekend. Perhaps 2024-25 is that year as he brings in SMU's Zhuric Phelps, a volume shooter who can fill it up but will thrive with the second and third chances of playing in Williams's system on the offensive end. Many offensive boards may come from Pharrel Payne, the former Minnesota big man who averaged over ten rebounds per game per 40 minutes last season.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +7500

Record: 2-1

48. UCF Golden Knights (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: Keyshawn Hall (George Mason), Benny Williams (Syracuse), Jordan Ivy-Curry (UTSA)

2023-24 Record: 17-16

Keyshawn Hall's questionable locker room presence was well-documented during his time at George Mason, but he's undeniably one of the top players in this year's portal. This will be his third school in as many seasons. The same could be said for Benny Williams, who was seen not participating in team huddles during timeouts last season and was ultimately dismissed by Syracuse mid-season. It'll be paramount for Johnny Dawkins to keep Hall and Williams focused on basketball and the team for the season because the talent is through the roof with this group.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +25000

Record: 3-0

49. Saint Louis Billikens (Atlantic 10)

Top Acquisitions: Robbie Avila (Indiana State), Isaiah Swope (Indiana State), Kobe Johnson (West Virginia)

2023-24 Record: 13-20

The Billikens landed our golden goose of the transfer portal in Robbie Avila, who has chosen to follow former Indiana State head coach Josh Schertz to his new destination at Saint Louis for the upcoming season. As did Isaiah Swope, giving the team a high-low duo that already has an entire season together under their belts. Kobe Johnson also joins as a Power 6 starter from West Virginia, who provides a high-floor, low-ceiling veteran who has the experience at the next level to perhaps contribute meaningfully here.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +25000

Record: 1-1

50. Syracuse Orange (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: Jyare Davis (Delaware), Eddie Lampkin (Colorado), Jaquan Carlos (Hofstra)

2023-24 Record: 20-12

Red Autry must have had CBS Sports Network on throughout the winter last season as the Orange have swooped in and taken two of the top portal talents from the Coastal this offseason. Jyare Davis will give Syracuse some serious scoring pop within the frontcourt. He is a 6'7" forward who was the alpha for Delaware last season and still has room for improvement in his game. Jaquan Carlos is the other CAA addition, a starter for Hofstra over the past two seasons who has shown steady improvement throughout his collegiate career. The future looks bright for the Orange, and these portal additions will be crucial to their success in 2024-25.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +15000

Record: 2-0

51. Wisconsin Badgers (Big Ten)

Top Acquisitions: Camren Hunter (Central Arkansas), Xavier Amos (Northern Illinois), John Tonje (Missouri)

2023-24 Record: 22-14

The Badgers lost plenty with the departures of Chucky Hepburn and AJ Storr via the portal, but they bring in some up-and-coming talent to aid those losses. Hunter enters after two seasons as the alpha for the Bears to kick off his collegiate career. He'll provide some solid scoring out of the backcourt, while Amos will be asked to beef up the frontcourt more dynamically than last year. Tonje will enter his sixth season in college basketball and will likely be a rotational piece off the pine.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +15000

Record: 3-0

52. SMU Mustangs (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: Matt Cross (UMass), Yohan Traore (UC Santa Barbara), Kario Oquendo (Oregon)

2023-24 Record: 20-13

Cross will be at his fourth school at SMU, which is as plug-and-play as it gets. Given his size, the 6'7" forward can score at all three levels and is a highly underrated rebounder. UC Santa Barbara center Traore will return to the Power Six ranks after spending a season at Auburn and looks refined as a much smoother scorer in the paint. Oquendo enters following a failed stint at Oregon, hoping to return to the form from his two seasons at Georgia, where he was a double-digit scorer.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +15000

Record: 3-0

53. Oklahoma State Cowboys (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: Brandon Newman (Western Kentucky), Khalil Brantley (La Salle), Arturo Dean (FIU)

2023-24 Record: 12-20

The Cowboys bring in a savvy group of veterans after a disappointing 2023-24 season. The trio of Newman, Brantley, and Dean combine for 279 games of experience at the Division I level, and should help bring some leadership to a locker room that will need it. Newman may be a familiar name as a former Purdue Boilermaker and will be a solid role-playing starter within the lineup. Brantley should bring some dynamism to the backcourt as the engine for La Salle over the past two seasons, while Dean enters as a double-digit scorer from FIU.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +30000

Record: 3-0

54. Washington State Cougars (WCC)

Top Acquisitions: Cedric Howard (Eastern Washington), Ethan Price (Eastern Washington), Dane Erikstrup (Eastern Washington)

2023-24 Record: 25-10

David Riley has basically brought over four players from his Eastern Washington team a season ago. Howard, Price, and Erikstrup were all meaningful starters for him at the program. The one question that must be asked here is if Riley and his corps have the goods in the clutch. Despite going a combined 31-5 in the Big Sky over the past two seasons, the Eagles were first-rounded in the conference tournament both seasons.

Keep an eye on Rihards Vavers as well from Quinnipiac. The Latvian missed some time last season for the Bobcats due to injury, but was quite impactful whenever he was available. With three years of eligibility remaining, he could be a significant piece for the Cougars down the road.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +30000

Record: 3-0

55. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Big Ten)

Top Acquisitions: Tyson Acuff (Eastern Michigan), Zach Martini (Princeton), Jordan Derkack (Merrimack)

2023-24 Record: 15-17

Acuff was one of the best mid-major scorers in the country a season ago and will join a loaded team with five-star recruits Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper entering the mix. Martini was sneakily one of Princeton's most efficient players, often playing at center in their small-ball lineup. Derkack helped lead Merrimack to back-to-back regular-season Northeast Conference titles but just might struggle to find consistent playing time among this elite group of players. It will be fascinating to see how Steve Pikiell chooses to set up his rotation this season.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +6000

Record: 2-0

56. Auburn Tigers (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: JP Pegues (Furman), Ja'Heim Hudson (SMU), Miles Kelly (Georgia Tech)

2023-24 Record: 27-8

Pegues, most known for hitting the go-ahead three for Furman to push them past Virginia in the opening round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament, will provide some scoring punch to the Auburn backcourt that they desperately need. Miles Kelly should offer the same, a leading scorer for Georgia Tech over the past two seasons. Time will tell if Hudson can find a spot in the rotation with a loaded frontcourt, including the return of SEC Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +1200

Record: 3-0

57. LSU Tigers (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Jordan Sears (UT Martin), Cam Carter (Kansas State), Dji Bailey (Richmond)

2023-24 Record: 17-16

Don't let Sears's lack of size fool you; he is an incredibly crafty finisher around the rim and displayed his flamethrower capability from deep in 2023-24, knocking down over 43 percent of his triples in 32 starts. Carter made a massive leap to nearly 15 points per game with the Wildcats a season ago but will need to do better with his shot selection to improve his efficiency. Watch for Dji Bailey, who made an unexpected leap to a double-digit scorer in his senior season at Richmond and could be a sparkplug off the bench after shooting a ridiculous 59.4 percent from the floor.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +20000

Record: 3-0

58. Nebraska Cornhuskers (Big Ten)

Top Acquisitions: Berke Buyuktuncel (UCLA), Gavin Griffiths (Rutgers), Connor Essegian (Wisconsin)

2023-24 Record: 23-11

Buyuktuncel didn't quite live up to his top 40 recruiting ranking out of Turkey in his freshman season but has the potential to live up to that hype with a fresh start at Nebraska next season. Griffiths makes the intraconference move from Rutgers to the Cornhuskers, hoping to see more playing time than the 18 minutes per game he saw with the Scarlet Knights in 2023-24. Essegian's role diminished from his freshman to sophomore season at Wisconsin, and a transfer felt imminent entering the offseason. We'll see if he can re-establish his sharpshooting at his new destination in 2024-25.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +15000

Record: 3-0

59. South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)

Top Acquisitions: Nick Pringle (Alabama), Jordan Butler (Missouri), Jamarii Thomas (Norfolk State)

2023-24 Record: 26-8

Pringle slowly carved out a meaningful role for himself at Alabama last year, and his production clearly showed improvement as the season went on. He averaged 9.4 points per game across the final 14 games of the season after just 5.1 in the first 20. A top-100 recruit out of high school, Butler seeks more playing time and a potential sophomore leap after just 11 minutes per game last season with Missouri. 2023-24 MEAC Player and Newcomer of the Year Jamarii Thomas will have a massive leap to make here, but should be able to provide some meaningful minutes for the Gamecocks.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +30000

Record: 2-1

60. Arizona State Sun Devils (Big 12)

Top Acquisitions: BJ Freeman (Milwaukee), Alston Mason (Missouri State), Austin Nunez (Ole Miss)

2023-24 Record: 14-18

After two years of dominating the Horizon with his elite scoring prowess, BJ Freeman headlines this transfer class for the Sun Devils. He's got the size, movement, and aggression that should translate well to the high-major level. Mason rejoins the Big 12 after transferring from Oklahoma to Missouri State and leading the Bears in scoring for his junior campaign. Nunez does the rare boomerang transfer, returning to the Sun Devils after barely seeing the court with Ole Miss last year.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +25000

Record: 3-1

61. Villanova Wildcats (Big East)

Top Acquisitions: Wooga Poplar (Miami), Kris Parker (Alabama), Tyler Perkins (Penn)

2023-24 Record: 18-6

Poplar was poised to have a serious breakout season with Miami in 2023-24. While he did improve upon his numbers from his sophomore campaign, he didn't quite live up to the hype that was stirred up in the offseason. Former Alabama redshirt freshman Kris Parker, a 6'9" forward, seeks a fresh start with the Wildcats and could make some serious noise after averaging 24.8 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game in his senior year of high school. Perkins enters the mix after a standout freshman season with Penn, finishing second on the team in scoring at 13.7 points per game.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +20000

Record: 2-2

62. DePaul Blue Demons (Big East)

Top Acquisitions: CJ Gunn (Indiana), Conor Enright (Drake), Layden Blocker (Arkansas)

2023-24 Record: 3-29

It's another group of "misfit toys," if you will, for DePaul's incoming transfer class, similar to the approach they took last offseason. Head coach Chris Holtmann has accrued a fair amount of talent ahead of his debut season with the Blue Demons, and CJ Gunn is a player he should be familiar with from their head-to-head matchups within the Big Ten while Holtmann was at Ohio State. Enright should help space the floor as a sharpshooter from Drake, while Blocker will surely get more run at DePaul than he did in his lone season at Arkansas.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +50000

Record: 3-0

63. Stanford Cardinal (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: Oziyah Sellers (USC), Derin Saran (UC Irvine), Jaylen Blakes (Duke)

2023-24 Record: 14-18

A sparkplug off the bench at USC, Oziyah Sellers is a potent scorer with plenty of upside that will undoubtedly be able to improve Stanford's offense in 2024-25. Saran is perhaps one of the most underrated players in the country with incredible per-40 averages from his freshman campaign at UC Irvine. And while things did not work out for Jaylen Blakes throughout his three seasons at Duke, his stocky build and time spent at an elite program make him a valuable asset for the Cardinal.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +30000

Record: 3-0

64. Virginia Tech Hokies (ACC)

Top Acquisitions: Ben Burnham (Creighton), Jaden Schutt (Duke), Hysier Miller (Temple)

2023-24 Record: 19-15

A stretch big that can stroke it from deep, Burnham was impactful with just 22 minutes per game at Charleston within Pat Kelsey's hefty rotation. Don't be surprised to see his averages soar if Mike Young gives him 30 or more minutes each night. Schutt seeks to bounce back from knee surgery that kept him out for the entirety of the 2023-24 season, a sharpshooter ranked in the top 70 of his recruiting class. Add in Temple's leading scorer, Hysier Miller, and the roster construction becomes pretty attractive for the Hokies going forward.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +25000

Record: 3-0

65. Creighton Bluejays (Big East)

Top Acquisitions: Pop Isaacs (Texas Tech)

2023-24 Record: 25-10

While Isaacs is the only player to join Creighton via the transfer portal this offseason, he is good enough to help them sneak into our top 65. A double-digit scorer across his first two seasons at Texas Tech, he has solid offensive ability combined with some natural playmaking. If he wants to truly lead this Bluejays team out of the backcourt, his shot selection and overall shotmaking will have to improve as just a 35.6 percent shooter from the floor in his career.

National Title Odds (Updated Nov. 12): +4000

Record: 3-0