College Basketball's Five-for-Five Transfer Portal: Early Winners and Losers
The five-for-five transfer portal has brought significant changes to college basketball, with some teams benefiting greatly from the new rule and others struggling to adapt. Texas Tech, Gonzaga, and Tennessee are among the early winners, while North Carolina is facing challenges.
The college basketball landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the introduction of the five-for-five transfer portal. This new rule has allowed numerous seniors to return to college basketball for a fifth year of eligibility, creating a unique form of free agency. As a result, some teams have emerged as early winners, while others are facing difficulties.
Winner: Texas Tech
Texas Tech is one of the teams that has benefited greatly from the five-for-five transfer portal. The return of Darrion Williams, a former All-Big 12 forward, has been a significant boost to the team's roster. Williams will be joined by fellow five-for-five transfer Jamichael Stillwell, a talented forward from UCF. The addition of these two players, along with other transfers such as Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, has completely changed the complexion of Texas Tech's 2026-27 outlook.
With the return of All-American big man JT Toppin from injury, Texas Tech will have a formidable offense. The team's roster now features a mix of experienced players and talented newcomers, making them a strong contender in the upcoming season.
Winner: Gonzaga
Gonzaga is another team that has made the most of the five-for-five transfer portal. The team lost two starting guards, but Mark Few has used the portal to address Gonzaga's shooting concerns. The addition of Dayton transfer point guard Javon Bennett and Florida State transfer Chauncey Wiggins has brought much-needed depth to the team's roster.
| Player | Position | Previous Team | 3-Point Shooting Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Javon Bennett | Point Guard | Dayton | 35% |
| Chauncey Wiggins | Forward | Florida State | 39% |
Gonzaga's new lineup features a mix of size, shooting, and rebounding, making them a strong contender in the upcoming season. The team's advanced metrics are also impressive, with players like Bennett and Wiggins rating highly in win shares.
Loser: North Carolina
North Carolina, on the other hand, is facing challenges in the wake of the five-for-five transfer portal. The team's frontcourt was a concern, but the addition of South Dakota transfer Cameron Fens has not entirely addressed the issue. Fens is a physical player who can rebound, but his defensive limitations are a concern.
The Tar Heels' defensive questions are clear, and the team's lack of an elite on-ball defender and defensive wing is a concern. While Fens provides a security blanket on nights when Sayon Keita struggles with physicality, the opportunity cost of not pursuing other available centers could come back to haunt the team.
Winner: Tennessee
Tennessee is another team that has benefited from the five-for-five transfer portal. The Vols are going all-in on what could be Rick Barnes' last season, and the addition of new players has strengthened their roster. While the team's frontcourt was a concern, the new additions have addressed some of the issues.
The five-for-five transfer portal has brought significant changes to college basketball, and teams like Texas Tech, Gonzaga, and Tennessee are well-positioned to take advantage of the new rule. However, teams like North Carolina are facing challenges and will need to adapt quickly to remain competitive.
