While the Sweet Sixteen played out on the hardcourt, the list of big names preparing to enter the 2026 college basketball transfer portal heated up on social media. Over the last 72 hours, several prominent talents have announced that they will be changing programs, including the Conference USA Freshman of the Year, a star in the Big East and a sophomore guard who scored 21 points against the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Hoops HQ covered the first tranche of players to announce they were going to enter the portal when it officially opens on April 7. And now, using The Portal Report’s Advanced Impact Metrics, here is a ranking of the top 10 players who declared their intentions to transfer over the past few days.
1. Paulius Murauskas, 6-foot-8 junior forward, Saint Mary’s
Despite Murauskas’ season ending on a sour note in a 63-50 upset loss to Texas A&M in the Round of 64, he has plenty to be excited about moving forward. The 6-foot-8 First Team All-WCC forward averaged nearly 20 points on 48.2-percent shooting from the field. Experience, offensive versatility and size place the Lithuania native at the top of this list.
2. Gavin Doty, 6-foot-5 sophomore guard, Siena
One of the best players in the MAAC, Doty turned heads this March. He played the full 40 minutes against Duke, scoring 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to beat the Blue Devils and secure one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history. Choosing to stay in upstate New York benefited the Fulton native, as he led Siena in scoring and rebounding with 18 points and 6.9 boards per game.
3. Jackson Shelstad, 6-foot junior guard, Oregon
After dealing with multiple hand injuries, Shelstad’s season was both delayed and ultimately cut short. Before his season-ending injury, he was putting together his most complete campaign at Oregon, averaging 15.9 points and 4.9 assists per game. After three years in Eugene, Shelstad will enter the portal as one of the top available point guards.
4. Dedan Thomas Jr., 6-foot-1 junior guard, LSU
Similar to Shelstad, Thomas dealt with a foot injury that derailed his season. Before undergoing season-ending surgery, he was averaging 15.3 points and 6.5 assists per game, one of the most productive stat lines in the SEC. The Tigers were 12-4 before Thomas went down and only managed to pick up three more wins on the year. Thomas will be another strong guard option for teams in need this spring.
5. KJ Lewis, 6-foot-4 junior guard, Georgetown
The All-Big East Third Team guard, who led the Hoyas in points, rebounds and steals, will be an enticing option in the portal. From Arizona to D.C., Lewis has years of experience in respected conferences.
6. Amir Lindsey, 5-foot-10 sophomore guard, Albany
Lindsey took full advantage of his opportunity this season after being named Albany’s starting point guard. He jumped from averaging six points to 17.9, leading the America East in scoring. After proving his capability at the one, he will be heavily recruited in the portal.
7. Ryan Prather Jr., 6-foot-5 junior guard, Robert Morris
Another big portal entry out of the Horizon League, Prather posted 15.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game this past season. All-Horizon Second Team honors followed that impressive stat line, and the 6-foot-5 junior joins DeSean Goode — featured in our last ranking — as another top Colonial on the market.
8. Joel Foxwell, 6-foot-1 freshman guard, Portland
Foxwell will be a heavily sought-after guard after his efficient freshman campaign. He led the Pilots with 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, while his 50 steals tied for fourth in the WCC. The Australia native, who received First Team All-WCC honors, will now look to find a new home.
9. Christian Bliss, 6-foot-4 sophomore guard, Delaware
Bliss, a 6-foot-4 guard, earned Conference USA Freshman of the Year and All-CUSA Second Team honors. He joined Derrick Rose as the only freshmen in CUSA history to average at least 10 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game. He broke out this season with 16.7 points, 5.2 boards, 5.9 assists and 1.8 steals. His all-around production makes him an elite guard ready to make an immediate impact at his next stop.
10. Adam Olsen, 6-foot-8 junior forward, South Alabama
The definition of adaptable, Olsen has what it takes to produce at a high-level program. He can score from anywhere on the court and, at 6-foot-8, makes it look easier than it is. After averaging 16.7 points on 40-percent shooting from downtown, Olsen will be an underrated wing option.
Meet your guide
