Transfer Market: Roster Construction Costs and Risks for 2026

The college basketball transfer market remains a primary avenue for programs seeking to reshape their rosters before the 2026 season. Following the University of Michigan's national championship last year with four starting transfers, programs are investing in experienced talent from the transfer portal. This approach carries risks for teams that rely on new players to integrate quickly, though exhibition games have provided early indications of how high-profile acquisitions are adapting to new teams.

Louisville's Flory Bidunga has been named the top player on the preseason all-transfer first team. The 6-foot-9 forward transferred from Kansas and is viewed as a defensive anchor for the Cardinals. Louisville coach Kelsey commented on Bidunga's work ethic, stating that having the best player be the hardest worker is a significant advantage.

The preseason evaluation excluded 5-in-5 seniors such as Keyshawn Hall, Jaxon Kohler, Donovan Dent, and Darrion Williams because their eligibility for the full season is not guaranteed. These players have regained eligibility through court orders. The teams were constructed to balance guards, wings, forwards, and centers.

Acaden Lewis of Miami and John Blackwell of Duke also earned first-team honors. Lewis, a point guard who transferred from Villanova, scored 23 points and recorded 10 assists in an exhibition game against Vanderbilt. Blackwell, transferring from Wisconsin to Duke, has become the team's best three-point shooter. Duke coach Jon Scheyer stated that Blackwell's fearless attitude positively influences his younger teammates.

Tounde Yessoufou of St. John's and Milan Momcilovic of Kentucky completed the first team. Kentucky coach Mark Pope remarked on Momcilovic's ability to make difficult shots and his gravitational pull on opposing defenses. The second team includes Dedan Thomas of Houston, PJ Haggerty of Texas A&M, Paulius Murauskas of Arizona State, David Punch of Texas, and Moustapha Thiam of Michigan. Isaiah Johnson of Texas and Kayden Mingo of Baylor were named to the third team.