The ACC massively improved last season, and that trend is expected to continue after how hard it went in the transfer portal.

There may be no conference that did the portal better. Even though teams lost plenty of talent, the ACC restocked it and four of the top seven transfer portal classes hail from the ACC, according to 247Sports. That also includes getting arguably the best available players.

It's clearly become a better conference, but how does the entire league stack up in the transfer market? Let's look at all the addition and losses for the 18 teams heading into the 2026-27 season.

Who has best haul so far? College basketball transfer portal team rankings

Staying put: 10 most-important players who skipped basketball transfer portal

Boston College basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Money Williams (Montana). Luke Murray sure hopes Williams is money after he was cash at Montana. He was the top scorer for the Grizzlies, but he erupted in the Big Sky tournament when he dropped 40, 32 and 19 to nearly get Montana in March Madness. He only had three games of scoring less than 10 points.
• Worst loss: Jayden Hastings (Cincinnati). One of the starters that made solid contributions, Hastings was mostly productive on the defensive end, leading the Eagles in blocks.
• Biggest remaining need: Energy. This program has been in the dumps, last appearing in the NCAA Tournament 17 years ago. Boston College needs to show signs of life and give people a reason to invest in one of the toughest jobs in the sport.

Cal basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Jake Wilkins (Georgia). The son of Basketball Hall of Famer Dominque Wilkins, the sophomore is looking for an elevated role in Berkeley. He didn't do a whole lot at Georgia, but he did showcase the explosiveness he has, just like dad.
• Worst loss:Dai Dai Ames (Tennessee). Cal had one of its best seasons in recent memory because of Ames. He started every game and averaged 16.9 ppg on impressive shooting numbers. His late game play will be something the Golden Bears will desperately miss.
• Biggest remaining need: Roster continuity. Again, Mark Madsen is having to retool his roster after star players bolted elsewhere. The guards will again rely on some inexperience, and it makes for a challenge to build upon last season.

Clemson basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Cole Certa (Notre Dame). Certa made big strides in his sophomore season that should pave the way for a staring role with Clemson. He averaged 16.1 points per game, but turned it on down the stretch, asserting himself as a bucket-getter. It also doesn't hurt he's one of the best free throw shooters in the game (89.2%, first in ACC).
• Worst loss:Jake Wahlin (BYU). You knew what you were going to get when it came to Wahlin. He didn't do much in terms of the stat sheet, but he was a consistent presence in the lineup that helped with the frontcourt.
• Biggest remaining need: Frontcourt. Brad Brownell has done well with forwards, and Clemson relied heavily on its bigs last season. They are out of eligibility, making it important for the Tigers to restock the position.

Duke basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: John Blackwell (Wisconsin). The rich get richer. Not only does Jon Scheyer have another elite recruiting class, he adds a certified bucket-getter in Blackwell. His 19.1 ppg was a major reason Wisconsin had one of the best offenses, with the ability to score from anywhere on the court (38.9% from 3-point land). He expands Duke's offense which has focused on getting to the paint.
• Worst loss: Nikolas Khamenia (Connecticut). In addition to the one-and-done departures, Duke loses another five-star prospect. Khamenia had to come off the bench, but he played all 38 games and came up big against quality opponents in terms of crashing the boards.
• Biggest remaining need: Clutch time. A consistent problem for Duke in March is not having the experience needed to avoid late game crumbles, no matter how talented it is. Does the addition of Blackwell and Drew Scharnowski (Belmont) do enough for the Blue Devils to finally capture a post-Coach K national title?

Florida State basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Sebastian Rancik (Colorado). The Seminoles will enjoy the versatility Rancik brings on the floor, able to lead the offense while take on the tough matchups defensively, no matter if its a guard or big. He put up 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game with the Buffaloes.
• Worst loss:Martin Somerville (West Virginia). Florida State could have used retaining someone with starting experience. Somerville mostly came off the bench, but he had some games where he was just locked in, including a 23 points outing against Virginia Tech.
• Biggest remaining need: Experienced defenders. Luke Loucks wants to keep the momentum going in Tallahassee, and while he's bringing in several talented freshmen, he'll need more help on the defensive side. It was a struggle last season and there are too many question marks on that side of the court.

Georgia Tech basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Colby Garland (San Jose State). One of the top scorers in the country hopes to inject life into Georgia Tech. Garland's 20.3 points per game was 26th in the NCAA, and he specializes in scoring around the 3-point line with a solid mid-range shot. He's also an ironman having played 40 minutes in eight of the last 11 games of the season.
• Worst loss: Mouhamed Sylla (West Virginia). There was a ton of promise with Sylla before he got hurt, and it was very apparent how much the Yellow Jackets missed him. He was a double-double machine and a catalyst for helping control tempo.
• Biggest remaining need: Wings. Scott Cross has brought a good mix of transfers for his first season, but there's more needed with the forwards. There's not a ton of experience there, and it will mean having to shift lineups that are either big heavy or small.

Louisville basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Flory Bidunga (Kansas). The best transfer leads to the best portal class. The Cardinals stacked their roster and have Bidunga ready to command the paint. He's a menace inside by swatting away about any shot near him (2.6 per game, fourth in Division I), but his offense took a giant leap last season, positioning him to be one of the top players in the country.
• Worst loss:Sananda Fru (Marquette). Louisville could have had one of the best backcourts had Fru stayed. The 6-11-inch forward wasn't as effective toward the end of the season appeared in every game and was a solid post presence, leading the team with 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 block per game, along with his highly efficient 9 points per game.
• Biggest remaining need: Putting it together. There's no debating how loaded Louisville is, but the games aren't played on paper. It has to show it can jell together to be a title contender. If it can shed the inconsistencies that plagued last season, this is team is Final Four bound.

Miami basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Acaden Lewis (Villanova). Jai Lucas gets a young guard to lead the offense after showing promise in his freshmen campaign. Lewis was an excellent floor general, averaging 12.2 points along with 5.3 assists, a Villanova freshmen record and the most for the program in the 21st century, leading to a unanimous choice on the Big East all-freshman team.
• Worst loss:Tru Washington (Xavier). Washington was one of the bright spots on Miami's defense, leading the team in steals with 1.8 per game. You've seen the confidence grow offensively as well, making strides each season to make him a valuable player in the rotation.
• Biggest remaining need: Perimeter defenders. Miami wants to improve on its 3-point shooting, but it also needs to get better at defending it after it was last in the ACC in defensive 3-point percentage (35.8%).

North Carolina basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Terrence Brown (Utah). The Tar Heels are meant to have playmakers, and Brown fits the mold of what's expected in Chapel Hill. He was the star for a struggling Utes team, leading them in points (19.9) and assists (3.8). He did have some off-shooting nights, but if this guy gets in a rhythm, he boosts the offense immensely.
• Worst loss:Derek Dixon (Arizona). There's still a chance Seth Trimble returns, so until then, the biggest departure is Dixon. He was a late bloomer, proving to be extremely valuable down the stretch and earning his spot in the starting lineup for the last 16 games. His 3-point shooting was extremely valuable, asserting himself as one of the top shooters in the Power conference ranks.
• Biggest remaining need: Backcourt depth. North Carolina has addressed its frontcourt, but the forwards and centers are a mystery. There's a lot of hope being put into international center Sayon Keita, but regardless if he lives up to the hype, the Tar Heels need more in the post.

NC State basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Christian Hammond (Santa Clara): A guy that knows how to be the No. 1 player on the court, Hammond flourished leading the Broncos with 15.6 ppg to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996. He can play through contact and creatively finds ways to score, and stepped up his game in the three meetings with Gonzaga.
• Worst loss:Matt Able (North Carolina). It's rough losing a player to an in-state rival. Able was NC State's top recruit last season and showed why with some notable performances in ACC play, including a 19-point effort against the Tar Heels. He was poised to finally crack the starting lineup, and had big upside with more minutes.
• Biggest remaining need: Interior presence. Justin Gainey had to build an entire new roster at his alma mater, and it still lacks some big men. Kyle Evans (UC Irvine) was an underrated get that can become a valuable asset, but there's plenty left to be desired in the department.

Notre Dame basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Logan Duncomb (Winthrop). Notre Dame gets the Big South player of the year after he tore up the conference, averaging a double-double during league play. He will try to impose his physical style of play in the ACC, and not only is he good at getting to the foul line, but he's a solid free throw shooter.
• Worst loss:Markus Burton (Indiana). One of the best players in Micah Shrewsberry's tenure is out. Last season was meant to be a big year, but he was limited to 10 games due to injury and Notre Dame really suffered from it. He was the key toward the Fighting Irish getting out of ACC cellar.
• Biggest remaining need: Scoring guards. The top three scorers from last season are all gone, and they were all guards, so Notre Dame needs that guy that can help Braeden Shrewsberry. Braeden Smith is more of a facilitator, and it can't all fall on Dumcomb in the post.

Pitt basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Baye Ndongo (Georgia Tech). Rebound reinforcements are on the way with Ndongo moving to Pitt. Ndongo is a model of consistency, coming off a season where he averaged 11.8 points and 8.1 boards per game, including five double-doubles. He's as experienced as they come with 90 starts with the Yellow Jackets.
• Worst loss: Roman Siulepa (Ole Miss). One of two players that started all 33 games, the Australian native impressed in his freshman season. He was known for his defensive prowess, but he was a huge asset in getting second chance opportunities, leading the ACC in conference play offensive rebounds (3.8).
• Biggest remaining need: Shooting. Jeff Capel replenished the roster that needs all sorts of fixing, but the main problem will be getting consistent scoring after the offense really set the team back last season. The Panthers also got to make their free throws.

SMU basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Rowan Brumbaugh (Tulane). A true jack of all trades as Brumbaugh did everything for Tulane, leading the team in scoring (19.1), rebounds (4.9), assists (4.6) and steals (1.6). It allows him to take on a plethora of roles each game, whether it's scoring or focusing on distributing the ball.
• Worst loss: Samet Yigitoglu (Indiana). It will have to be a whole new lineup in Dallas with Yigitoglu the last remaining starter now gone. He played to his 7-2-inch frame, leading the Mustangs with 7.9 rebounds per game along with 10.7 points, leaving a big hole in the roster.
• Biggest remaining need: Size. Not only does SMU need to replace its production, but it's looking to be a small ball lineup with no true center. That could prove to be a problem considering SMU was already the worst defensive team in the ACC.

Stanford basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Austin Maurer (Seattle): The lone addition through the portal, the 7-foot center played his way into a starter at Seattle. He had a big 19-point performance in the upset win over Washington, and helped the Redhawks have one of the best defenses in the West Coast.
• Worst loss:Oskar Giltay (Connecticut): The Belgium-native had a limited role off the bench for Stanford, but still had a noticeable defensive presence, including top 10 in the ACC in blocks.
• Biggest remaining need: Elite scorer. It's a lot easier said than done, but Stanford has to figure out how to replace Ebuka Okorie after he did it all for the Cardinals. The recruiting class offers promise, but it's unlikely they can produce like Okorie.

Syracuse basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Gavin Doty (Siena). Gerry McNamara isn't coming to his alma mater alone, bringing his top guy from Siena. Doty put up 18 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for the Saints, and he turned heads when he put up 21 points against Duke in the NCAA Tournament first round.
• Worst loss:Donnie Freeman (St. John's). It's always tough to convince the top player to stay in a new regime. Freeman was by far the bright spot for the Orange last season, leading the team in points (16.5) and rebounds (7.2) while being able to play any spot on the floor.
• Biggest remaining need: Point guard. McNamara has his work cut out to bring glory back to Syracuse, but one glaring issue is a ball-handler. Right now, that relies on transfer Garwey Dual (McNeese State) and freshman Ryan Moesch. That position feels thin and needs a proven commander.

Virginia basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Jurian Dixon (UC Irvine). The Cavaliers are primed to remain a highly productive offense with the addition of Dixon. The guard put up 15.9 points last season, and he specializes in the 3-point shot with a 38.5% mark from deep. He's the type of guy that quickly start runs with his shot.
• Worst loss: None. A rarity, Ryan Odom was able to keep all players with eligibility.
• Biggest remaining need: Depth. With its core back, Virginia doesn't need any drastic changes in the lineup. Instead, it could use more bench pieces to take that next step in taking over the ACC.

Virginia Tech basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Jaylen Curry (Oklahoma State): A true point guard, Curry plays a type of ball that will make any coach happy. Even though he came off the bench, he averaged 3.5 assists and didn't turn the ball over often. Even better, he led the Cowboys in steals and can improve a defense with more minutes.
• Worst loss: Neoklis Avdalas (North Carolina). The Hokies looked like they had a steal in Avdalas, who showed how high of a ceiling he has as a dynamic forward that can play like a guard. He can score, distribute and crash the boards, making him such a highly sought transfer.
• Biggest remaining need: Clutch scoring. Virginia Tech could have been a tournament team if it was able to close out games. Now needing a brand new start, the Hokies need someone they can rely on to score when the game is in the balance, as those results could be the difference in making the bracket.

Wake Forest basketball transfer portal analysis

• Best add: Kevair Kennedy (Merrimack). It was a big start to college for Kennedy, winning MAAC player and rookie of the year after leading the Warriors with 18.4 points and 4.2 assists per game and a regular season title. He thrives in a high tempo offense, making the Demon Deacons a great fit for the guard.
• Worst loss:Juke Harris (Tennessee). This loss severely hurts as Harris became one of the best players in the ACC. His 21.4 ppg was 14th in Division I, and he led Wake Forest in rebounds (6.5). It's going to be extremely hard to replace how good Harris was against Power conference teams.
• Biggest remaining need: Defensive pressure. For as much the Demon Deacons need to figure out offensively, it won't matter if the defense doesn't improve. Controlling the glass and stopping teams from driving around the bucket are necessary.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ACC transfer portal breakdown: Best adds, what all teams still need

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