Big 12 Roster Reshuffle: The Current State of Every Team’s Lineup

ARIZONA

Departures: KJ Lewis, 6-foot-4 sophomore guard (transferred to Georgetown); Caleb Love, 6-foot-4 senior guard (out of eligibility); Conrad Martinez, 6-foot sophomore guard (transferred to High Point); ; Emmanuel Stephen, 7-foot freshman center (transferred to UNLV); Trey Townsend, 6-foot-6 senior forward (out of eligibility); Henri Veesaar, 7-foot sophomore center (transferred to North Carolina) 

Returnees: Tobe Awaka, 6-foot-8 senior forward; Anthony Dell’Orso, 6-foot-6 senior guard; Motiejus Krivas, 7-foot-2 junior center

Incoming: Evan Nelson, 6-foot-2 graduate guard (transfer from Harvard); Dwayne Aristode, 6-foot-8 freshman wing; Brayden Burries, 6-foot-4 freshman guard; Bryce James, 6-foot-4 freshman wing; Koa Peat, 6-foot-8 freshman forward 

Pending: Jaden Bradley, 6-foot-3 junior guard (NBA draft decision); Carter Bryant, 6-foot-8 freshman forward (NBA draft decision) 

Arizona’s 2024-25 season ended with a hard-fought loss to Duke in the Sweet 16. Four key contributors are gone (Love, Townsend, Lewis and Veesaar), but coach Tommy Lloyd has an exceptional freshman class coming in, headlined by two national top-15 prospects in Peat and Burries. The ceiling for this team rides on whether Bradley and Bryant, both of whom are testing the draft waters, end up back in Tucson. Bradley is expected to return, while Bryant’s future is more uncertain. Assuming one or both remain on the roster, Arizona should be among the top contenders to win the league.

ARIZONA STATE

Departures: Amier Ali, 6-foot-8 freshman guard (transferred to Mississippi State); Chianti Clay, 5-foot-11 senior guard (in portal); 

BJ Freeman, 6-foot-6 senior guard (transferred to UCF); Brandon Gardner, 6-foot-8 freshman forward (in portal); Basheer Jihad, 6-foot-9 senior forward (in portal); Brycen Long, 6-foot-2 senior guard (transferred to Portland State); Alston Mason, 6-foot-2 senior guard (out of eligibility); Adam Miller, 6-foot-3 senior guard (transferred to Gonzaga); Austin Nunez, 6-foot-2 junior guard (transferred to UT-San Antonio); Shawn Phillips Jr., 7-foot junior center (transferred to Missouri); Joson Sanon, 6-foot-5 freshman guard (transferred to St. John’s); Jayden Quaintance, 6-foot-10 freshman forward (transferred to Kentucky) 

Returnees: Trevor Best, 6-foot-2 sophomore guard 

Incoming: Marcus Adams Jr., 6-foot-8 junior forward (transfer from Cal State Northridge); Bryce Ford, 6-foot-3 junior guard (transfer from Toledo); Adante’ Holiman, 6-foot senior guard (transfer from Georgia Southern); Allen Mukeba, 6-foot-6 graduate forward (transfer from Oakland); Moe Odom, 6-foot-1 senior guard (transfer from Pepperdine); Santiago Trouet, 6-foot-10 junior forward (transfer from San Diego); Vijay Wallace, 6-foot-5 junior wing (transfer from Triton); Andrija Grbovic, 6-foot-9 freshman forward; Marcus Jackson, 6-foot-8 freshman forward; Jaion Pitt, 6-foot-7 freshman forward; Kash Polk, 6-foot-8 freshman forward

After a rough 13-20 season, the Sun Devils took a major hit in the portal. Best, the only returning player, appeared in just 11 games this past season. Coach Bobby Hurley will be relying mostly on transfers from mid-major programs to step up against stiffer competition. Holiman led the Sun Belt in scoring (16.9 points per game), and Adams, Mukeba and Odum averaged more than 13 points each. Still, it’s tough to see this team competing against the conference’s powerhouses.

BAYLOR

Departures: Omar Adegbola, 6-foot-4 freshman guard (transferred to Northwestern State); Jason Asemota, 6-foot-8 freshman forward (transferred to Boston College); Jalen Celestine, 6-foot-7 graduate guard (transferred to Cincinnati); VJ Edgecombe, 6-foot-5 freshman guard (NBA draft); Davidson Hubbard, 6-foot-5 graduate guard (out of eligibility); Kaleb Jackson, 6-foot-2 freshman guard (in portal); Langston Love, 6-foot-5 junior guard (transferred to Georgetown); Yanis Ndjonga, 6-foot-7 sophomore forward (in portal); Jayden Nunn, 6-foot-4 senior guard (out of eligibility); Josh Ojianwuna, 6-foot-10 junior forward (in portal); Norchad Omier, 6-foot-7 senior forward (out of eligibility); Jeremy Roach, 6-foot-2 senior guard (out of eligibility); Rob Wright, 6-foot-1 freshman guard (transferred to BYU) 

Returnees: Cameron Carr, 6-foot-5 junior guard

Incoming: Obi Agbim, 6-foot-3 senior guard (transfer from Wyoming); Juslin Bodo Bodo, 7-foot junior center (transfer from High Point); Caden Powell, 6-foot-10 senior forward (transfer from Rice); Michael Rataj, 6-foot-9 senior forward (transfer from Oregon State); Dan Skillings, 6-foot-6 senior guard (transfer from Cincinnati); JJ White, 6-foot-2 senior guard (transfer from Omaha); Isaac Williams, 6-foot-2 sophomore guard (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi); Andre Iguodala II, 6-foot-7 freshman forward; Tounde Yessoufou, 6-foot-6 freshman wing

As coach Scott Drew discussed in detail with Hoops HQ, it has been an unprecedented offseason for Baylor, which lost all but one scholarship player. Drew’s staff has done a solid job in the portal — Hoops HQ’s Tristan Freeman ranks the Bears’ transfer class No. 7 in the country — and previously secured commitments from two high-profile freshmen. Rataj and Agbim are proven scorers, and White was the primary playmaker on an Omaha team that won the Summit League title. Yessoufou, a five-star prospect who broke the California state high school scoring record, should play a major role as well. The big question: How well will all the newcomers mesh?

BYU

Departures: Kanon Catchings, 6-foot-9 freshman wing (transferred to Georgia); Elijah Crawford, 6-foot-2 freshman guard (transferred to UIC); Egor Demin, 6-foot-9 freshman guard (NBA draft); Dallin Hall, 6-foot-4 junior guard (transferred to Virginia); Trevin Knell, 6-foot-5 senior guard (out of eligibility)

Mawot Mag, 6-foot-7 senior forward (out of eligibility);  Trey Stewart, 6-foot-2 senior guard (out of eligibility); Fousseyni Traore, 6-foot-6 senior center (out of eligibility); Townsend Tripple, 6-foot-8 sophomore forward (in portal). 

Returnees: Dawson Baker, 6-foot-4 senior guard; Mihailo Boskovic, 6-foot-10 sophomore forward; Keba Keita, 6-foot-8 senior center; Brody Kozlowski, 6-foot-8 sophomore forward; Khadim Mboup, 6-foot-9 sophomore forward; Jared McGregor, 6-foot-3 senior guard; Richie Saunders, 6-foot-5 senior forward; Max Triplett, 6-foot-9 senior forward. 

Incoming: Kennard Davis, 6-foot-6 junior guard (transfer from Southern Illinois); Dominique Diomande, 6-foot-8 sophomore forward (transfer from Washington); Tyler Mrus, 6-foot-7 junior forward (transfer from Idaho); Rob Wright, 6-foot-1 sophomore guard (transfer from Baylor); Chamberlain Burgess, 6-foot-9 freshman forward; AJ Dybansta, 6-foot-9 freshman wing; Xavion Staton, 6-foot-11 freshman center

The big name is AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2025 and the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. But coach Kevin Young has put together a complete roster. Saunders, the reigning Big 12 Most Improved Player, is back, along with starting center Keita (7.4 points, 7.9 rebounds) and backup guard Baker (7.5 points per game). Wright is a quality replacement for Demin at point guard, and Davis ranked fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference in scoring (and hit 37.6 percent from three). BYU made a lot of noise this past season – and will make even more in 2025-26.

CINCINNATI

Departures: CJ Anthony, 6-foot senior guard (in portal); Tyler Betsey, 6-foot-8 freshman forward (transferred to Syracuse); Rayvon Griffith, 6-foot-6 freshman guard (in portal);  Connor Hickman, 6-foot-3 senior guard (in portal); Dillon Mitchell, 6-foot-8 junior forward (transferred to St. John’s); Arrinten Page, 6-foot-11 sophomore forward (transferred to Northwestern); Josh Reed, 6-foot-7 junior guard (transferred to Penn State); JJ Rembert, 5-foot-10 freshman guard (in portal); Dan Skillings, 6-foot-6 junior guard (transferred to Baylor)

Returnees: Halvine Dzellat, 6-foot-10 sophomore forward

Jizzle James, 6-foot-3 junior guard; Tyler McKinley, 6-foot-9 sophomore forward; Day Day Thomas, 6-foot-1 graduate guard

Incoming: Jalen Celestine, 6-foot-7 graduate guard (transfer from Baylor); Sencire Harris, 6-foot-4 junior guard (transfer from West Virginia); Jalen Haynes, 6-foot-8 graduate forward (transfer from George Mason); Kerr Kriisa, 6-foot-3 graduate guard (transfer from Kentucky); Moustapha Thiam, 7-foot-2 sophomore center (transfer from UCF); Shon Abaev, 6-foot-7 freshman forward; Keyshuan Tillery, 6-foot freshman point guard

Coming off a disappointing 19-16 season, coach Wes Miller has to be ecstatic that two of his top players — James and Thomas — are returning. Add a few more experienced guards to the mix, as well as a highly touted big man in Thiam, and next season’s team might just end the program’s six-year NCAA Tournament drought. Losing Mitchell was tough, but Cincy has another athletic forward on the way in Abaev, a consensus five-star recruit from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 

COLORADO

Departures: Courtney Anderson Jr., 6-foot-5 freshman guard (in portal); Trevor Baskin, 6-foot-9 graduate forward (out of eligibility); Harrison Carrington, 6-foot-7 sophomore guard (in portal); Assane Diop, 6-foot-8 sophomore forward (in portal); Greg Gerhardt, 6-foot-10 sophomore forward (in portal); Julian Hammond III, 6-foot-2 senior guard (in portal); Andrej Jakimovski, 6-foot-8 graduate forward (out of eligibility); Jack Pease, 6-foot junior guard (in portal); Nick Randall, 6-foot-8 freshman forward (in portal); Javon Ruffin, 6-foot-5 junior guard (in portal); RJ Smith, 6-foot-3 sophomore guard (transferred to DePaul); Grady Whitt, 6-foot-3 freshman guard (in portal)

Returnees: Andrew Crawford, 6-foot-6 sophomore guard; Bangot Dak, 6-foot-11 junior forward; Felix Kossaras, 6-foot-5 sophomore guard; Elijah Malone, 6-foot-10 graduate center; Sebastian Rancik, 6-foot-9 sophomore forward

Incoming: Barrington Hargress, 6-foot junior guard (transfer from UC Riverside); Jon Mani, 6-foot-6 sophomore guard (transfer from Denver); Tacko Fawaz, 6-foot-10 freshman center; Jalin Holland, 6-foot-4 freshman guard; Ian Inman, 6-foot-5 freshman forward; Isaiah Johnson, 6-foot-1 freshman point guard; Josiah Sanders, 6-foot-4 freshman guard 

The Buffaloes can only move up, as they finished last in the conference in 2024-25 with a 3-17 record. But it’s hard to imagine them climbing that far. The two leading scorers (Hammond and Jakimovski) are gone, as well as several key rotation players. It will be interesting to see how the undersized Hargress, who averaged 20.1 points and 4.0 assists, translates to the high-major level. Holland and Sanders are promising four-star prospects who figure to play significant roles right away. 

HOUSTON

Departures: Terrance Arceneaux, 6-foot-6 sophomore guard (transferred to NC State); L.J. Cryer, 6-foot-1 graduate guard (out of eligibility); Ja’Vier Francis, 6-foot-8 senior forward (out of eligibility); J’Wan Roberts, 6-foot-8 graduate forward (out of eligibility); Ramon Walker Jr., 6-foot-5 senior guard (out of eligibility); Mylik Wilson, 6-foot-3 graduate guard (out of eligibility) 

Returnees: Kordelius Jefferson, 6-foot-3 sophomore guard; Cedric Lath, 6-foot-9 junior center; Chase McCarty, 6-foot-6 sophomore forward; Jacob McFarland, 6-foot-11 sophomore center; Mercy Miller, 6-foot-4 sophomore guard; Emanuel Sharp, 6-foot-3 senior guard; Joseph Tugler, 6-foot-8 junior forward 

Incoming: Chris Cenac Jr., 6-foot-10 freshman center; Isiah Harwell, 6-foot-6 freshman guard; Pop Isaacs, 6-foot-2 senior guard (transfer from Creighton); Kalifa Sakho, 6-foot-11 graduate center (transfer from Sam Houston); Kingston Flemings, 6-foot-2 freshman point guard; Bryce Jackson, 6-foot-5 freshman guard

Pending: Milos Uzan, 6-foot-4 junior guard (NBA draft decision)

Houston returns following a memorable run to the national title game with a lineup just as — if not more — loaded, especially if Uzan opts to withdraw from the draft. Sharp, the reigning Big 12 Tournament MVP, and Tugler, the conference’s defensive player of the year, are back, and coach Kelvin Sampson has filled in the gaps in his roster with two experienced transfers and 247Sports’  No. 1-ranked recruiting class. Isaacs averaged 16.3 points per game for Creighton before season-ending hip surgery. Cenac, Flemings and Harwell are consensus five-star recruits. With this much talent and one of the best coaches in the sport, it’s hard not to pick Houston to repeat as league champs.

IOWA STATE

Departures: Brandton Chatfield, 6-foot-10 senior forward (out of eligibility); Kayden Fish, 6-foot-6 freshman forward (transferred to Ball State); Keshon Gilbert, 6-foot-4 senior guard (out of eligibility); Conrad Hawley, 6-foot-5 senior forward (out of eligibility); Nojus Indrusaitis, 6-foot-5 freshman guard (transferred to Pitt); Dishon Jackson, 6-foot-11 senior center (transferred to Pitt); Curtis Jones, 6-foot-4 senior guard (out of eligibility); JT Rock, 7-foot-1 freshman center (transferred to New Mexico); Demarion Watson, 6-foot-7 junior guard (in portal)

Returnees: Nate Heise, 6-foot-5 senior guard; Joshua Jefferson, 6-foot-9 senior forward; Cade Kelderman, 6-foot-1 junior guard; Tamin Lipsey, 6-foot-1 senior guard; Milan Momcilovic, 6-foot-8 junior forward 

Incoming: Blake Buchanan, 6-foot-11 junior forward (transfer from Virginia); Eric Mulder, 6-foot-8 senior forward (transfer from Purdue Fort Wayne); Dominick Nelson, 6-foot-5 senior guard (transfer from Utah Valley); Mason Williams, 6-foot-5 junior guard (transfer from Eastern Washington); Jamarion Bateman, 6-foot-3 freshman guard; Xzavion Mitchell, 6-foot-6 freshman forward; Dominykas Pieta, 6-foot-9 freshman forward; Killyan Toure, 6-foot-3 freshman guard 

With a strong returning core of Heise, Jefferson, Lipsey and Momcilovic, Iowa State again should be an elite defensive team and a leading contender to win the league. The offense may suffer a bit without Gilbert and Jones, but coach TJ Otzelberger has made some important moves in the portal that should help in that department. Nelson, the 2024-25 WAC Player of the Year, and Williams both averaged around 14 points per game last season. Buchanan, who averaged 5.4 points and 5.3 rebounds for Virginia, is likely to start in the frontcourt alongside Jefferson. 

KANSAS

Departures: KJ Adams, 6-foot-7 senior forward (out of eligibility); Zach Clemence, 6-foot-11 junior forward (transferred to Texas A&M); David Coit, 5-foot-11 senior guard (transferred to Maryland); Hunter Dickinson, 7-foot-2 graduate center (out of eligibility); Rylan Griffen, 6-foot-6 junior guard (transferred to Texas A&M); Dajuan Harris Jr., 6-foot-2 graduate guard (out of eligibility); Zeke Mayo, 6-foot-4 senior guard (out of eligibility); Shakeel Moore, 6-foot-1 graduate guard (out of eligibility); Rakease Passmore, 6-foot-5 freshman guard (in portal); AJ Storr, 6-foot-7 junior guard (transferred to Ole Miss)

Returnees: Flory Bidunga, 6-foot-9 sophomore forward; Elmarko Jackson, 6-foot-3 junior guard; Noah Shelby, 6-foot-3 senior guard; Jamari McDowell, 6-foot-4 junior guard; Bryson Tiller, 6-foot-10 freshman forward 

Incoming: Melvin Council Jr., 6-foot-4 senior guard (transfer from St. Bonaventure); Jayden Dawson, 6-foot-4 senior guard (transfer from Loyola Chicago); Tre White, 6-foot-7 senior guard (transfer from Illinois); Samis Calderson, 6-foot-8 freshman forward; Darryn Peterson, 6-foot-5 freshman guard; 

Kansas entered the 2024-25 season ranked No. 1 in the country, but it was mostly downhill from there. The 13 losses the Jayhawks suffered were the most in the Bill Self era. While the program looked to have an impressive roster, the pieces didn’t fit. It was back to the drawing board this summer with nearly a blank slate. Kansas got a huge boost when Bidunga, who averaged 5.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks as a freshman, decided to withdraw from the portal and remain in Lawrence. He and Peterson, the No. 2 overall prospect in the class of 2025, should form a dominant one-two punch. Council, Dawson and White are experienced guards who were double-digit scorers this past season. There still is work to do, particularly in the frontcourt. But there also is plenty to be excited about already. 

KANSAS STATE

Departures: Achor Achor, 6-foot-9 senior guard (transferred to Mississippi State); Baye Fall, 6-foot-11 sophomore guard (transferred to Rutgers); Brendan Hausen, 6-foot-4 junior guard (transferred to Iowa); Coleman Hawkins, 6-foot-10 senior wing (out of eligibility); CJ Jones, 6-foot-5 junior guard (in portal); Max Jones, 6-foot-4 senior guard (out of eligibility); Dug McDaniel, 5-foot-11 junior guard (transferred to Memphis); David N’Guessan, 6-foot-9 senior guard (out of eligibility); Ugonna Onyenso, 7-foot junior center (transferred to Virginia); Macaleab Rich, 6-foot-7 sophomore guard (in portal); Tyreek Smith, 6-foot-8 senior wing (out of eligibility)

Returnees: David Castillo, 6-foot-1 sophomore guard; Mobi Ikegwuruka, 6-foot-6 junior guard; Taj Manning, 6-foot-7 junior guard

Incoming: Abdi Bashir Jr., 6-foot-7 junior guard (transfer from Monmouth); Nate Johnson, 6-foot-3 senior guard (transfer from Akron); Khamari McGriff, 6-foot-9 senior forward (transfer from UNC Wilmington); Tyreek Smith, 6-foot-6 senior forward (transfer from Memphis); Andrej Kostic, 6-foot-5 freshman guard (from Serbia); Exavier Wilson, 6-foot-1 freshman point guard 

Excluding a brief stretch from late January to mid-April, when they looked unbeatable, the Wildcats struggled immensely during the 2024-25 season. With basically every player in the rotation either graduating or entering the portal, coach Jerome Tang has been tasked with yet another major rebuild. Bashir was one of the best scorers in the nation this past season, averaging 20.1 points on 38 percent shooting from three for the Hawks, and McGriff is a superb addition to the frontcourt. Keep an eye on Kostic, 18, a former pro in Serbia who reportedly signed a seven-figure NIL deal with the Wildcats. He was the leader of the U18 Serbian national team that won silver at the 2024 EuroBasket.

OKLAHOMA STATE

Departures: Marchelus Avery, 6-foot-8 senior forward (out of eligibility); Khalil Brantley, 6-foot-1 senior guard (in portal); Tyler Caron, 6-foot-8 graduate forward (out of eligibility); Davonte Davis, 6-foot-4 senior guard (out of eligibility); Arturo Dean, 5-foot-11 junior guard (in portal); Connor Dow, 6-foot-6 sophomore guard (transferred to Oral Roberts); Jamyron Keller, 6-foot-3 sophomore guard (transferred to Louisiana); Mikey Kelvin II, 6-foot-6 senior forward (in portal); Brandon Newman, 6-foot-5 graduate guard (out of eligibility); Abou Ousmane, 6-foot-10 senior forward (out of eligibility); CJ Smith, 6-foot-7 sophomore forward (in portal); Patrick Suemnick, 6-foot-8 graduate forward (in portal); Bryce Thompson, 6-foot-6 graduate guard (out of eligibility)

Returnees: Robert Jennings II, 6-foot-7 senior forward; Andrija Vukovic, 6-foot-10 sophomore forward

Incoming: Kanye Clary, 5-foot-11 senior guard (transfer from Mississippi State); Christian Coleman, 6-foot-8 senior forward (transfer from UAB); Isaiah Coleman, 6-foot-5 junior guard (transfer from Seton Hall); Jaylen Curry, 6-foot junior guard (transfer from UMass); Parsa Fallah, 6-foot-9 senior forward (transfer from Oregon State); Vyctorius Miller, 6-foot-5 sophomore guard (transfer from LSU); Anthony Roy, 6-foot-5 senior guard (transfer from Green Bay); Ben Ahmed, 6-foot-9 freshman center; Ryan Crotty, 6-foot-5 freshman guard; Mekhi Ragland, 6-foot-10 freshman center

It has been an incredibly busy and fruitful offseason for the Cowboys. Second-year coach Steven Lutz has landed some big names in the portal who, if all goes well, could make his offense difficult to stop. Before suffering a season-ending ankle injury, Roy led all of college basketball in scoring at 25.7 points per game. Isaiah Coleman was Seton Hall’s primary offensive weapon (15.6 points per game), and Curry, Fallah, Miller and Christian Coleman played significant roles on their respective teams. Hoops HQ’s Tristan Freeman ranks Oklahoma State’s transfer class No. 18 in the country. After back-to-back losing seasons in Stillwater, this group has the potential to turn things around in a big way.

TCU

Departures: Vasean Allette, 6-foot-2 sophomore guard (transferred to Arizona State); Frankie Collins, 6-foot-2 senior guard (transferred to Vanderbilt); Isaiah Manning, 6-foot-8 freshman forward (transferred to Sam Houston); Noah Reynolds, 6-foot-3 senior guard (out of eligibility); Ernest Udeh Jr., 6-foot-11 junior center (transferred to Miami); Brendan Wenzel, 6-foot-8 senior guard (out of eligibility); Trazarien White, 6-foot-6 senior forward (out of eligibility)

Returnees: Malick Diallo, 6-foot-9 sophomore center; Drew McElroy, 6-foot-2 junior guard; Jace Posey, 6-foot-5 sophomore guard; David Punch, 6-foot-7 sophomore forward; Micah Robinson, 6-foot-6 sophomore forward; Adam Stewart, 6-foot-10 sophomore center; Trey Stewart, 6-foot-2 senior guard 

Incoming: Xavier Edmonds, 6-foot-9 sophomore forward (from Salt Lake Community College); Brock Harding, 6-foot junior guard (transfer from Iowa); Liutauras Lelevicius, 6-foot-7 junior guard (transfer from Oregon State); Jayden Pierre, 6-foot-2 senior guard (transfer from Providence): Tanner Toolson, 6-foot-5 junior guard (transfer from Utah Valley); Kayden Edwards, 6-foot-2 freshman guard

Coach Jamie Dixon retained an encouraging young core and added solid pieces around it. Guards Pierre (12.3 points per game), Toolson (13.3 points per game), Harding (8.8 points per game) and Lelevicius (8.7 points per game) bring experience and perimeter shooting. Edmonds was a star at the JUCO level, and Edwards is the No. 3-ranked recruit in program history. If players like Punch and Robinson take a leap, TCU could find itself back in the NCAA Tournament mix following a down season. 

TEXAS TECH

Departures: Devan Cambridge, 6-foot-6 senior forward (in portal); Federiko Federiko, 6-foot-11 senior forward (transferred to Texas A&M); Corbin Green, 6-foot-5 junior forward (in portal); Elijah Hawkins, 5-foot-11 senior guard (out of eligibility); Chance McMillian, 6-foot-3 senior guard (out of eligibility); Kevin Overton, 6-foot-5 sophomore guard (transferred to Auburn); Kerwin Walton, 6-foot-5 senior guard (out of eligibility); Darrion Williams, 6-foot-6 junior forward (NBA draft/in portal); Eemeli Yalaho, 6-foot-8 sophomore forward (in portal) 

Returnees: Marial Akuentok, 6-foot-10 redshirt freshman forward; Christian Anderson, 6-foot-2 sophomore guard; Jack Francis, 6-foot-3 senior guard; Jazz Henderson, 5-foot-11 redshirt freshman guard; Leon Horner, 6-foot-4 sophomore guard; JT Toppin, 6-foot-9 junior forward 

Incoming: Donovan Atwell, 6-foot-5 senior guard (transfer from UNC Greensboro); Luke Bamgboye, 6-foot-10 sophomore forward (transfer from VCU); Tyeree Bryan, 6-foot-5 senior guard (transfer from Santa Clara); Josiah Moseley, 6-foot-6 sophomore forward (transfer from Villanova); LeJuan Watts, 6-foot-6 junior forward (transfer from Washington State); Nolan Groves, 6-foot-5 freshman guard

Toppin’s return (on an NIL deal reportedly worth $3 million) immediately vaults Texas Tech near the top of the preseason rankings. Toppin led the Red Raiders to the Sweet 16 this past season and should be a contender for national player of the year honors next season. With Anderson also returning and transfers like Atwell (13.3 points per game), Watts (13.7 points per game) and Bryan (10.4 points per game) joining the lineup, coach Grant McCasland’s squad has the firepower to take the Big 12 crown from Houston … and possibly make a run at the national title.

UCF

Departures: Dallan Coleman, 6-foot-6 senior guard (in portal); Keyshawn Hall, 6-foot-7 junior guard (transferred to Auburn); Tyler Hendricks, 6-foot-6 sophomore guard (transferred to Utah Valley); Jordan Ivy-Curry, 6-foot-3 senior guard (in portal); Rokas Jocius, 6-foot-10 junior forward (in portal); Darius Johnson, 6-foot-1 senior guard (out of eligibility); Dior Johnson, 6-foot-3 sophomore guard (transferred to Tarleton State); Nils Machowski, 6-foot-3 sophomore guard (transferred to Wofford); Jaylin Sellers, 6-foot-4 senior guard (transferred to Providence); Cameron Simpson, 6-foot-7 freshman guard (in portal); JJ Taylor, 6-foot-8 sophomore forward (in portal); Moustapha Thiam, 7-foot-2 freshman center (transferred to Cincinnati); Benny Williams, 6-foot-10 senior forward (in portal); Mikey Williams, 6-foot-3 freshman guard (transferred to Sacramento State)

Returnees: Elijah Hulsewe, 7-foot senior center; Poohpha Warakulnukroh, 5-foot-11 junior guard

Incoming: George Beale Jr., 6-foot-4 senior guard (transfer from Hampton); John Bol, 7-foot-2 sophomore forward (transfer from Ole Miss); Jordan Burks, 6-foot-9 junior forward (transfer from Georgetown); Jeremy Foumena, 6-foot-11 junior center (transfer from Mississippi State); BJ Freeman, 6-foot-6 senior guard (transfer from Arizona State); Themus Fulks, 6-foot-2 senior guard (transfer from Milwaukee); Riley Kugel, 6-foot-5 senior guard (transfer from Mississippi State); Carmelo Pancheco, 6-foot-5 junior guard (transfer from Mount St. Mary’s); Jamichael Stillwell, 6-foot-8 senior forward (transfer from Milwaukee); Tanner Jones, 6-foot-4 freshman guard

Coach Johnny Dawkins and his staff will be under some pressure to right the ship after going 14-24 in the league in UCF’s first two seasons in the Big 12. The program seemed to prioritize experience in the portal, signing numerous established veterans. Dawkins got a good look at the incoming duo from Milwaukee when the Panthers visited UCF in November. Stillwell finished with a double-double (14 points, 12 rebounds), while Fulks had 13 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. The X-factor is Freeman, who was kicked off Arizona State’s team for repeated instances of detrimental conduct in February but has been stellar on the court throughout his college career. So far, Dawkins’ roster is coming together nicely. Now it’s just about deciphering how to get the most out of the talent assembled.

UTAH

Departures: Ezra Ausar, 6-foot-8 junior forward (transferred to USC); Ayomide Bamisile, 6-foot-7 freshman forward (in portal); Keanu Dawes, 6-foot-9 junior forward (in portal); Hunter Erickson, 6-foot-3 senior guard (transferred to Hawaii); Brandon Haddock, 6-foot-2 senior guard (in portal); Jerry Huang, 6-foot-2 freshman guard (in portal); Joul Karram, 6-foot-10 freshman center (in portal); Zach Keller, 6-foot-10 junior forward (in portal); Miro Little, 6-foot-3 sophomore guard (transferred to UC Santa Barbara); Caleb Lohner, 6-foot-7 senior forward (out of eligibility); Lawson Lovering, 7-foot-1 senior center (in portal); Gabe Madsen, 6-foot-6 senior guard (out of eligibility); Mason Madsen, 6-foot-4 senior guard (out of eligibility); Mike Sharavjamts, 6-foot-9 junior guard (transferred to South Carolina); Brady Smith, 6-foot-1 sophomore guard (in portal); Jayden Teat, 6-foot-2 sophomore guard (transferred to Sacramento State); Jake Wahlin, 6-foot-10 sophomore forward (transferred to Clemson)

Returnees: Ibi Traore, 6-foot-9 sophomore forward

Incoming: Terrence Brown, 6-foot-3 junior guard (transfer from Fairleigh Dickinson); Babacar Faye, 6-foot-8 senior forward (transfer from Western Kentucky); Jahki Howard, 6-foot-6 sophomore forward (transfer from Auburn); Alvin Jackson III, 6-foot-5 sophomore guard (from Salt Lake Community College); Don McHenry, 6-foot-2 graduate guard (transfer from Western Kentucky); Elijah Moore, 6-foot-4 sophomore guard (transfer from Syracuse); James Okonkwo, 6-foot-8 senior forward (transfer from Akron); Seydou Traore, 6-foot-7 junior forward (transfer from Iowa); Kendyl Sanders, 6-foot-6 freshman forward

With the hiring of Alex Jensen, a new era has started at Utah. Jensen, a former star for the Utes in the 1990s, comes in with NBA coaching experience, having served as an assistant for the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks over the past 12 seasons. Starting basically from scratch, he has signed several notable players out of the portal, including gifted scorers in Brown (20.6 points per game) and McHenry (17.6 points per game). There should be a lot of excitement about the direction and future of the program, but it may take some time before Utah finds its footing in the Big 12. 

WEST VIRGINIA

Departures:  Eduardo Andre, 6-foot-11 senior center (out of eligibility); Jake Auer, 6-foot senior guard (out of eligibility); Tucker DeVries, 6-foot-7 senior guard (transferred to Indiana); Haris Elezovic, 6-foot-8 senior forward (in portal); Amani Hansberry, 6-foot-8 sophomore forward (transferred to Virginia Tech); Sencire Harris, 6-foot-4 sophomore guard (transferred to Cincinnati); Dylan Jay, 6-foot-4 freshman guard (in portal); Toby Okani, 6-foot-8 senior guard (out of eligibility); Abraham Oyeadier, 6-foot-9 freshman center (in portal); Jonathan Powell, 6-foot-6 freshman guard (transferred to North Carolina); Javon Small, 6-foot-3 senior guard (out of eligibility); Jayden Stone, 6-foot-4 senior guard (in portal); KJ Tenner, 6-foot freshman guard (transferred to Murray State); Joseph Yesufu, 6-foot senior guard (out of eligibility) 

Returnees: None

Incoming: Treysen Eaglestaff, 6-foot-6 senior wing (transfer from North Dakota); Jackson Fields, 6-foot-8 senior forward (transfer from Troy); Jasper Floyd, 6-foot-4 senior guard (transfer from North Texas); Honor Huff, 5-foot-10 senior guard (transfer from Chattanooga); Brenen Lorient, 6-foot-9 senior forward (transfer from North Texas); Chance Moore, 6-foot-6 senior guard (transfer from St. Bonaventure); Harlan Obioha, 7-foot senior center (transfer from North Carolina Wilmington); DJ Thomas, 6-foot-7 freshman forward

West Virginia has hit the “complete reset” button with a new coach in Ross Hodge and zero returning players. Eaglestaff was one of the most intriguing players in the portal after a sensational season at North Dakota in which he averaged 18.9 points. During a conference tournament game against South Dakota State on March 7, he erupted for a Summit League-record 51 points on 15-of-28 shooting. Throw in a few former standouts for Hodge at North Texas (Floyd and Lorient), as well as Huff (15.2 points per game), Moore (13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds) and Obioha (9.2 points, 6.0 rebounds per game), and the Mountaineers have a lot to work with next season.

More Like This

Transfer portal

The Top 50 Players in the Portal

Big 12

Baylor Lost All Its Players. Now What?

Big 12

Inside Houston’s Locker Room: “This One Ain’t Leaving You Anytime Soon”