College Basketball Transfer Portal: Winners and Losers of 2025

(NEW YORK, NY) — The 2025 college basketball transfer portal cycle is nearing its conclusion, with several programs still seeking to finalize their rosters. Among the clear winners are Kentucky, Louisville, and St. John's, while teams like North Carolina and Arizona face challenges.

Kentucky made significant moves in the portal, securing five top-60 transfers, including No. 12 Quaintance. These additions aim to replace five double-figure scorers who are departing. Coach Mark Pope led a recruiting effort that promises to enhance the Wildcats’ front court with players like Mo Dioubate and Pitt point guard.

In contrast, North Carolina, despite hiring agent Jim Tanner, appears less prepared as of late May. The Tar Heels have added some talent but lack the star power needed to compete at a championship level, leaving fans questioning the team’s potential under coach Hubert Davis.

St. John’s has emerged as a strong contender, adding three proficient 3-point shooters to a team that previously struggled with outside shooting. Under coach Rick Pitino, the Red Storm aim to challenge for Big East supremacy with the help of new transfers.

Louisville, coming off a successful ACC season, bolstered its roster with three top-25 transfers, further enhancing its shooting capabilities. Coach Pat Kelsey looks poised to lead the Cardinals through a promising season.

Meanwhile, Kansas is considering a fresh direction after disappointing results last year. After losing high-profile transfers, the Jayhawks are now relying on promising freshman Darryn Peterson to lead the team.

UCLA‘s roster also saw changes, with the arrival of Mountain West Player of the Year, bolstering the backcourt. However, Arizona is struggling to fill gaps, relying heavily on a highly ranked recruiting class to overcome significant losses from last season.

As for Washington, coach Danny Sprinkle has secured a diverse group of skilled players to create a promising transfer class, though Washington State and Oregon State are facing challenges after losing key players to higher-profile programs.

Amid these developments, high-profile teams like UConn and Florida managed to retain key players and enhance their rosters without major upheaval. This stability serves as a model for maintaining competitive teams.

As the final decisions come in for the transfer portal, the landscape of college basketball continues to shift dramatically, influencing the strategies and futures of programs across the nation.