The 2025–26 college basketball regular season didn’t just showcase elite talent—it reinforced a new reality: roster building has been fundamentally reshaped by the transfer portal. As the NCAA Tournament tips off, the impact of first-year transfers is no longer a side story—it’s central to success across the country.
Programs are no longer relying solely on recruiting and development. Instead, they are aggressively retooling through experienced players who can deliver immediate production. While not every transfer becomes a star, several have elevated their teams into legitimate contenders.
Interestingly, among the top seeds in this year’s NCAA Tournament, there’s no single blueprint. Arizona and Duke have thrived without starting first-year transfers, while Florida leans on two, and Michigan has fully embraced the portal with four starters. It’s proof that success isn’t about how many transfers you have—it’s about how impactful they are.
At the top of that list stands Yaxel Lendeborg, who has been nothing short of transformational for Michigan. The senior forward didn’t just fill a role—he became the identity of a dominant Wolverines squad that finished 31-3 and secured a No. 1 seed. Winning Big Ten Player of the Year and anchoring both ends of the floor, Lendeborg’s presence elevated Michigan into one of the most complete teams in the country.
Right behind him is Wisconsin’s Nick Boyd, whose scoring explosion turned the Badgers into a dangerous tournament team. The San Diego State transfer saved his best basketball for last, leading Wisconsin in both scoring and playmaking while handling one of the highest usage rates in the conference. His ability to control tempo and deliver in clutch moments has made Wisconsin a serious threat as a No. 5 seed.
Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz followed a similar path, emerging as the offensive engine for the Hawkeyes in a transition year under a new coaching staff. Averaging 20 points per game, Stirtz provided stability and shot creation for a team that otherwise lacked consistent scoring options. His production alone helped carry Iowa into the tournament field.
One of the most intriguing names on the list is Henri Veesaar at North Carolina. The 7-footer brought a rare blend of size, efficiency, and perimeter shooting, instantly becoming one of the ACC’s most versatile big men. His ability to stretch the floor while protecting the rim gave UNC a new dimension, playing a key role in securing a No. 6 seed despite a turbulent season.
Nebraska’s Pryce Sandfort made his mark as one of the nation’s elite shooters. Leading the Big Ten in three-pointers made, Sandfort’s floor spacing was critical in Nebraska’s rise to a No. 4 seed. His offensive firepower, combined with improved defensive metrics, made him one of the most complete transfers in the conference.
For UConn, Silas Demary proved that impact isn’t always about scoring. The defensive-minded guard controlled games with his playmaking and perimeter defense, leading the Big East in assists while locking down opposing guards. His leadership on both ends has been a major factor in UConn earning a No. 2 seed and entering March with championship expectations.
Miami’s Tre Donaldson also thrived in a new environment, stepping into a primary playmaking role and guiding the Hurricanes to a strong ACC finish.
His balance of scoring and distribution gave Miami a steady backcourt presence, helping them secure a No. 7 seed.
Michigan makes another appearance on this list with Morez Johnson, whose physicality and efficiency complemented Lendeborg perfectly. Johnson dominated the glass and provided interior toughness, forming one of the most impactful frontcourts in the nation.
Rounding out the rankings is Tennessee’s Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who returned home and delivered one of the most well-rounded seasons in the SEC. Leading the Volunteers in multiple categories, Gillespie’s two-way production helped Tennessee remain competitive in one of the toughest conferences in the country.
As the NCAA Tournament begins, these transfers will be under an even brighter spotlight. The regular season proved their value—but March is where legacies are defined. For many of these players, their impact on the transfer portal era won’t just be measured in stats, but in how far they can carry their teams when it matters most.
In a sport rapidly evolving, one thing is clear: the transfer portal isn’t just part of the game anymore—it’s shaping its future.
