With the NCAA Tournament in full swing, most teams are already looking ahead to the 2026-27 campaign and preparing for the chaos of portal season. In recent weeks, several notable players have announced their intentions to transfer, including a big-time scorer from Providence, an elite rim protector from Boston University and a knockdown shooter from Robert Morris.
Whether embraced or criticized, player movement defines the current state of college basketball. The next few months will be hectic, but Hoops HQ and The Portal Report are here to guide you through all the offseason action.
Using The Portal Report’s Advanced Impact Metrics, we put together a list of the 10 best players who will be entering the portal when it officially opens on April 7.
1. Stefan Vaaks, Providence
The 6-foot-7 guard from Providence earned All-Big East Freshman Team honors this season. Vaaks showcased his brilliant scoring ability throughout the year but truly elevated his play during the conference tournament, scoring 28 and 23 points against Butler and St. John’s, respectively. The Estonia native will be a hot commodity in the portal, offering programs a three-level scoring threat.
2. Kwame Evans Jr., Oregon
A former McDonald’s All-American who has spent his entire career in Eugene, Evans will potentially see what his NBA draft stock looks like while simultaneously entering the transfer portal. Listed at 6-foot-10, Evans had his best campaign this year as a junior for the Ducks, averaging 13.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, solidifying himself as an intriguing two-way prospect.
3. Ethan Roberts, Penn
There’s growing confidence around college basketball that Ivy League players can step in and contribute at the Power Four level. Xavian Lee proved that this year, and Roberts will be the next example. The 6-foot-5 senior forward delivered two strong seasons for the Quakers, averaging at least 16.8 points per game while shooting above 40 percent from the field in both years. He enters the portal as one of the more appealing veteran options.
4. Tyler Lundblade, Belmont
An elite three-point shooter can raise a team’s ceiling, and Lundblade is proof of that. The redshirt senior guard knocked down 115 threes this season while shooting an efficient 40.6 percent from beyond the arc. The MVC Player of the Year’s veteran presence, paired with his shot-making ability, will undoubtedly draw the attention of premier programs. With ties to former head coach Casey Alexander, Kansas State could be in Lundblade’s future.
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5. Colby Garland, San José State
Elite guard play is essential for teams competing for conference championships and beyond. That’s exactly what Garland provides. With a perfect blend of high IQ, playmaking and three-level scoring, the 6-foot junior guard is an ideal fit for programs in need of a true floor general. He ranked 26th nationally in scoring at 20.3 points per game, and he won’t shy away from big moments; instead he attacks them head on.
6. Ben Defty, Boston University
After being named to the All-Patriot League Second Team and Defensive Team, the 7-foot forward intends to enter his name into the transfer portal. Defty’s 57 blocks ranked second in the Patriot League, showcasing his impact as a rim protector. His defensive prowess and size are his greatest strengths, but he’s also developed as a scorer. From averaging five points his freshman year to 15 in his sophomore campaign, he’s evolved as an offensive threat.
7. DeSean Goode, Robert Morris
The West Virginia native took an otherworldly leap from his freshman season, improving his three-point accuracy by 21 percent and his field goal shooting by 12 percent. After making a 62.9 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from three, he earned Horizon League Player of the Year honors. With his size and scoring efficiency, he’ll be one of the most sought after offensive wings in the portal this spring.
8. A’Lahn Sumler, Charleston Southern
Sumler was one of the most prolific mid-major scorers this season. After redshirting in 2024-25 due to injury, he made his presence felt in the Big South. Averaging 18.9 points per game while shooting 40 percent from downtown, he’s going to be a viable option for guard-needy teams in the portal. Interestingly enough, Eric Haut, the coach that recruited Sumler to Northern Kentucky, recently got hired as Tarleton State’s head coach. As he begins to rebuild Stephenville, Haut could look to bring in a familiar face as a proven building block ready to compete in the Western Athletic Conference.
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9. Chance Gladden, Boston University
One could argue the “true” point guard archetype has faded in today’s game. Gladden refutes that. The North Carolina native started 31 out of 33 games, earning early trust with his selfless style of play. He’s a true facilitator who never fails to get his teammates involved. He averaged almost five assists per game and achieved his career high against Lehigh with 12. With speculation of a potential homecoming to Raleigh, Gladden would give Will Wade a steady, reliable presence at the position with lots of room to develop at NC State.
10. Darin Smith Jr., Central Connecticut
The NEC Player of the Year has electric scoring abilities to match his length. Listed at 6-foot-7, Smith Jr. was among the top scorers in the NCAA this season with 20.7 points per game. He was also nearly automatic from the free-throw line, shooting 89.8 percent. In a standout performance against New Haven he poured in 40 of his team’s 81 points en route to an impressive win. He scored double figures in 29 out of 30 games, establishing himself as a dominant offensive option for programs to consider.
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