Top College Basketball Transfers Shake Up Teams Ahead of April Deadline

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the NCAA men’s basketball season concludes, the transfer portal has opened amid a flurry of activity. Teams nationwide are adjusting their rosters with the portal’s deadline looming on April 22. Consequently, numerous high-profile players are seeking new opportunities to enhance their basketball careers.

One noteworthy transfer is Aday Mara, a 7-foot-3 center who has moved from UCLA to Michigan. In his two seasons with the Bruins, Mara averaged 6.4 points, four rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, helping lead UCLA to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season. Joining a Wolverines team that advanced to the Sweet 16, Mara aims to make an impact.

In another significant transfer, sophomore forward Alijah Glenn is moving from Florida Atlantic to Michigan State. Glenn had a notable season, averaging 12.5 points and 4.8 rebounds, and shot 53.2% from the field. With Michigan State making it to the Elite Eight in the last tournament, Glenn hopes to contribute to the team’s success.

Five-star recruit Jayden Quaintance, who recently underwent ACL surgery, left his initial school and is garnering attention from top programs as a future prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft. Despite his injury, he was recognized as first-team All-Defense in his freshman season.

Another intriguing move comes from a rising talent in the form of guard Jaden Jackson, who entered the portal after an impressive season at North Carolina. Jackson, recognized as a five-star prospect, averaged 11.9 points and earned ACC All-Freshman honors in 2023-24. His potential destinations include St. John’s, Kentucky, and Arkansas, with analysts suggesting the Brooklyn school may have the edge.

Looking further afield, former Iowa standout, forward Aaron Freeman, has chosen to transfer to Creighton after a year that saw him named co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He had a productive tenure at Iowa, which he hopes to replicate with a new team.

Teams like Syracuse and Georgetown are also looking to bolster their rosters through the portal. Syracuse has already secured commitments from several transfers, including point guard Naithan George from Georgia Tech and William Kyle III from UCLA. These additions could help rejuvenate the Orange after a disappointing 14-19 season.

As the transfer portal heats up, players such as Jalen Brown from Fairleigh Dickinson and Parker Edwards from Vanderbilt are also on the move, with several joining programs that aim for a deeper postseason run next year.

In total, the transfer portal has become a significant factor in college basketball, and with many talented players looking for new homes, coaches are increasingly focused on reshaping their teams ahead of the 2025-26 season.