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The transfer portal season is slowly winding down, but a number of effective options still remain available.
Today, Rivals national analyst Rob Cassidy takes stock of what’s left, while exploring five potential difference-makers who are still looking for new homes.
Rivals Round Table: Transfer portal successes and failures
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2024 Rankings: Rivals150 | Team | Position
2025 Ratings: Rivals150 | Team
2026 rankings: Top 100
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Where he came from: Old Dominion
Overview: A highly regarded prospect in the Class of 2023, Alette chose Old Dominion over heavy interest from major programs. He bolstered his reputation in his only season at ODU, averaging a team-high 17.4 points per game, as well as 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 19 games before being dismissed from the team due to what university called it “conduct unbecoming of a Monarch.” .” Few additional details about Alette’s firing have been released at this time.
On the court, Canadian Alette is a three-tier athletic scorer with a sensational freshman season in the Sun Belt.
Potential destination: There hasn’t been much news about possible landing spots for Alette, as things have remained relatively calm since he and his twin brother entered the portal in March. Depending on what happened during her time at ODU, Alette could be a huge asset to several programs looking for a dynamic scoring guard.
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Where he came from: Eastern Washington
Overview: One of college’s best-kept secrets, Coward began his college career at Div. III Willamette University but became a star at Eastern Washington last season. As a junior in the Big Sky, Coward averaged 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for a team that won 21 games. Coward is a versatile wing who impacts games on the glass, but more importantly, can shoot from all sides (63 percent from the floor last season).
The 6-foot-1 wing’s skill set appears translatable to the upper level and he’s one of the top prospects remaining in the portal because of it.
Potential destination: Washington State looks like one of the leaders to protect Coward, who grew up in Northern California, but the Cougars may have to hold onto the heavy hitters as portal options dwindle. The sooner Wazzu can sign Coward, the better for the program, as additional suitors appear to be scrambling to recruit the talented winger.
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Where he came from: Jackson State
Overview: Evans is a well-rounded prospect who was able to shine in a few games against top competition while playing for Jackson State. Evans faced Northwest, Memphis and Gonzaga last season, and averaged 22 points and 7.6 rebounds per game in those three games. He finished the 2023-24 season averaging 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists en route to SWAC Player of the Year honors.
Potential destination: Programs like Maryland, West Virginia, Minnesota It is Syracuse have been loosely linked to Evans, but his case remains relatively open. The Terrapins and Mountaineers feel more engaged for now, but there doesn’t seem to be a clear leader.
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Where he came from: North Florida
Overview: Lanier played four seasons at North Florida before hitting the portal as a graduate transfer this offseason. He tested the NBA waters, but will return to the collegiate ranks for one final season, this time at the top level. The highest-scoring point guard averaged 19.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game as a senior last season and had a 16-point performance against Iowa.
Lanier was plagued by some turnovers last season, but it’s impossible to doubt his goaltending ability. A 44 percent long-distance shooter last season, Lanier will be a huge asset to any program that lives up to its promise.
Potential destination: Lanier’s recruitment is one of the portal’s most interesting ongoing stories, as it puts Kentuckyin Marcos Papawho coached Lanier in BYU last season, against the new BYU team, as well as Tennessee. Lanier is almost on the cusp of landing one of those three programs, but it seems a little early to hazard a guess as to which one. Pope and Kentucky made the 6-foot-2 guard a priority target, so losing him to SEC rival Tennessee or previous coaching stop BYU would be a brutal blow.
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Where he came from: Kentucky
Overview: One of the best-known names remaining on the portal, Wagner was the 6th prospect in the Rivals of 2023150. He shined for Kentucky a season ago, starting 28 games and averaging 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per contest as a freshman at Lexington. The hyper-touted Wagner didn’t live up to high expectations as a freshman, but the 6-foot-1 guard still has pro-level tools and is a good bet to have a big breakout season as a sophomore.
Potential destination: More presumptuous Arkansas would end up getting Wagner. Former Wildcat has strong ties to head coach João Calipari, who coached him at Kentucky last season. Calipari also coached Wagner’s father during his time in Memphis, so a foundation of trust between the parties remains in place.
Wagner has already visited Arkansas, but doesn’t appear to be in a rush to make a commitment. The Razorbacks still feel like the favorite to land Wagner’s promise, but the lull in news about his recruitment is cause for pause.
