The 2025 NCAA men's basketball transfer cycle has officially concluded, and the landscape of college basketball has been reshaped. With the transfer portal window closed and the NBA draft withdrawal deadline passed, teams are now focused on preparing for the 2025-26 season. ESPN analysts Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf have broken down the most significant moves, highlighting the teams that improved their title hopes and those that missed the mark.

Single-Best Player Addition

Jeff Borzello: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Michigan made a monumental addition by securing Yaxel Lendeborg, a first-round NBA draft prospect who withdrew from the draft to join the Wolverines. The 6-foot-9 forward has been a dominant force in the frontcourt, averaging a double-double in both seasons with UAB. Lendeborg's versatility and relentless play make Michigan a top-10 team.

Myron Medcalf: Darrion Williams, NC State Darrion Williams, a standout from Texas Tech, is now the anchor of NC State's recruiting class. His performance in the NCAA tournament, where he nearly led Texas Tech to an Elite Eight victory, makes him a valuable addition to the Wolfpack.

Best Overall Class

Medcalf: Kentucky Kentucky's transfer class, led by Jayden Quaintance, Jaland Lowe, and Denzel Aberdeen, has a slightly higher ceiling than St. John's. Quaintance's potential as an NBA lottery pick and the production from Lowe and Aberdeen make Kentucky a formidable team.

Borzello: St. John's St. John's addressed their perimeter shooting issues by adding Ian Jackson, Joson Sanon, and Oziyah Sellers. Bryce Hopkins' return to full health could make him one of the best players in the Big East.

National Title Contender That Improved Its Chances the Most

Borzello: Florida Florida's addition of Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee has significantly bolstered their backcourt, making them a strong contender for back-to-back national titles.

Medcalf: BYU BYU's offense, already one of the best in the country, has been further strengthened by the addition of AJ Dybantsa and Robert Wright III, positioning them as a potential Final Four team.

Team That Went from Below to Above .500 with Its Portal Additions

Medcalf: Kansas State PJ Haggerty's arrival, along with mid-major transfers Abdi Bashir Jr. and Nate Johnson, should address Kansas State's offensive woes from last season.

Borzello: NC State Will Wade's transfer portal success at McNeese State has translated to NC State, with Darrion Williams leading a talented group of newcomers.

Team That Hurt Its Outlook by Not Doing Enough

Borzello: Ole Miss Despite landing Niko Bundalo and Ilias Kamardine, Ole Miss missed out on several high-profile transfers, leaving questions about their perimeter depth.

Medcalf: Kansas Kansas' lack of experienced big men could hinder their ability to compete at the highest level, despite the addition of Darryn Peterson and Tre White.

Biggest Surprise

Medcalf: NC State Will Wade's ability to assemble a top-25 caliber class after a 12-win season is a testament to his recruiting prowess.

Borzello: Oklahoma Porter Moser's strategic additions, including Nijel Pack and Tae Davis, should make Oklahoma competitive in a pivotal season.

Biggest Head-Scratcher

Borzello: Missouri's Perimeter Group Missouri's lack of addressed shooting concerns could limit their offensive efficiency despite returning key players.

Medcalf: Memphis' Frontcourt Penny Hardaway's reliance on active big men could be challenged this season, as the Tigers' frontcourt lacks the explosiveness of previous years.