1. Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB —–> Michigan)
Yaxel Lendeborg, a 6-foot-9 forward from UAB, committed to Michigan and Dusty May last week, choosing the Wolverines over offers from a bevy of other high major programs. Lendeborg, a two-time AAC Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-AAC selection, averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in the 2024–25 season. His exceptional season has garnered attention from NBA scouts, and he has also declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. If he decides to play for Michigan in 25-26, his addition would significantly bolster the Wolverines’ roster and he would be considered one of the top transfers in all of college basketball. With the Wolverines set to lose both Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin, I think Lendeborg is the biggest get of portal season, so far.
2. Donovan Dent (New Mexico —–> UCLA)
New Mexico transfer Donovan Dent committed to Mick Cronin and UCLA a couple weeks ago, giving the Bruins one of the biggest transfer portal additions of the offseason. The 6-foot-2 point guard, a Southern California native, is coming off a breakout season where he earned Mountain West Player of the Year honors after averaging 20.4 points, 6.4 assists, and shooting 49% from the field and 41% from three. His decision to return home fills a major need for UCLA after having inconsistent point guard play for the majority of the 24-25 season. Dent’s combination of scoring efficiency, vision, and poise makes him not only a plug-and-play starter but also a potential All-American candidate. With Cronin looking to reestablish UCLA as a national contender, landing Dent could be a turning point for the program and a move that sends shockwaves through the Big 10 and beyond.
3. Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Maryland —–> Tennessee)
Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s commitment to Tennessee stands out as one of the most impactful moves of the 2025 transfer portal season because of his leadership, scoring and ability to get his teammates involved. The 6-foot-1 point guard, a native of Greeneville, Tennessee, returns home after a standout season at Maryland, where he averaged 14.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, helping lead the Terrapins to their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2016. His impressive season earned him Third-Team All-Big Ten honors and proved that he could make an enormous impact at the high-major level. Gillespie’s decision to join the Volunteers fills the void left by departing point guard Zakai Zeigler, providing Tennessee with a proven floor general who can impact the game on both ends. His blend of scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess will elevate the Volunteers backcourt in 2025-26.
4. Ryan Conwell (Xavier —–> Louisville)
Ryan Conwell’s transfer to Louisville will certainly make a significant impact on the Cardinals’ 2025–26 season. The 6-foot-4 guard ranks among the top transfers nationally, bringing a wealth of experience and scoring ability to the Cardinals roster. This past season at Xavier, Conwell averaged 16.5 points per game, shooting 45% from the field and an impressive 41.2% from three-point range, earning Third-Team All-Big East honors. His consistent scoring and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, exemplified by a career-high 38-point game against Marquette in the Big East Tournament, add a valuable dimension to Louisville’s offense. With Conwell’s addition, Louisville’s backcourt gains a versatile scorer and experienced leader, positioning the Cardinals as strong contenders in the ACC next season.
5. Rob Wright III (Baylor —–> BYU)
BYU’s acquisition of Baylor transfer Rob Wright III stands as one of the most significant moves of the 2025 portal season. The 6-foot-1 point guard, a former five-star recruit and top-30 player in the 2024 class, made an immediate impact in his freshman season at Baylor, averaging 11.5 points and 4.2 assists per game. His performance earned him Big 12 All-Freshman honors and All-Conference Honorable Mention. Wright’s ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities will be a valuable asset for BYU, especially following the departure of Egor Demin to the NBA Draft. With the heavy influx of talent set to arrive in Provo this summer, Wright’s steady hand at the point-guard spot will do wonders for a young, blossoming roster. His commitment is expected to significantly bolster the Cougars’ backcourt, making them a legit threat to compete for a Big 12 title.
