Top College Basketball Winners & Losers Post-NBA Draft Deadline!

The window for college basketball players to decide whether to stay in the NBA draft or return to college has closed. The majority of players who were uncertain about their decision ended up returning to their college teams, including many who are predicted to be top talents in the 2025-26 season.

Which teams emerged as winners and losers as the deadline passed? Let’s examine the teams that are celebrating and those that still have challenges ahead.

Winners

Michigan Wolverines

Yaxel Lendeborg, a highly sought-after draft prospect, has decided to play for the University of Michigan after seriously considering the NBA. Last season, Lendeborg led the American Athletic Conference (AAC) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and was one of only five players nationally in the past decade to average at least 17 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists per game throughout a season. Although he committed to Michigan via the transfer portal, there was speculation about whether he would actually join given the significant interest from NBA teams. Rejecting a probable guaranteed NBA contract, Lendeborg’s decision could significantly impact the Big Ten standings.

His role at Michigan is expected to be quite strategic. While Lendeborg has a different playing style compared to 7-foot player Danny Wolf, Michigan’s coach Dusty May plans to utilize him in similar ways as a versatile playmaker. Although he won’t easily overpower Big Ten opponents with his size and athleticism, his skills and energy make him a prime candidate for one of the league’s standout players, propelling Michigan into the top-10 preseason rankings.

Florida Gators

The Gators have had a strong offseason, highlighted by Thomas Haugh’s decision to return for his junior year and the acquisition of standout guards Xaivian Lee from Princeton and Boogie Fland from Arkansas. A key factor in Florida’s potential 2024-25 national championship run was its robust frontcourt, now bolstered by the return of Alex Condon, a potential first-round pick. Condon, a former Australian Rules Football player turned top basketball prospect, is expected to lead the Gators in scoring and rebounds, continuing his impressive development. His return not only boosts the Gators’ chances of securing a consecutive national title but also solidifies their position as a top-five team heading into the season.

Houston Cougars

Point guard Milos Uzan will return to Houston for his senior year, a significant boost for the team as coach Kelvin Sampson aims for a national title. Uzan’s decision came after a disappointing performance at the NBA draft combine, which opened the door for his return. His decision prompted Creighton transfer Pop Isaacs, who shares the same agency, to move to Texas A&M. Uzan’s return, coupled with experienced players Emanuel Sharp and JoJo Tugler, gives Houston a solid foundation and a veteran core to integrate a promising group of incoming freshmen.

Auburn Tigers

Auburn managed to retain Tahaad Pettiford, a dynamic guard whose draft combine performance had made him a strong candidate for the NBA. After playing a pivotal role off the bench last season, Pettiford is set to become a central figure for Auburn as he steps into a more prominent role. His decision to return is expected to elevate his game further, making him one of the most utilized players in the SEC and a likely preseason all-conference selection. Additionally, Auburn secured the talents of high-flying big man Filip Jovic, enhancing their frontcourt and likely completing the team’s major roster changes for the upcoming season.

Losers

Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas faced disappointment as top uncommitted transfer portal prospects Jamir Watkins and RJ Luis Jr. opted to stay in the draft. The Jayhawks had been eyeing both players after missing out on wing prospects Dame Sarr (Duke) and Darrion Williams (NC State) recently. With limited options remaining, Kansas may need to explore the international market or consider reclassifying players from the 2026 high school class to fill their roster gaps.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State managed to keep Yanic Konan Niederhauser from entering the transfer portal, but his stock rose significantly during the G League Elite Camp and NBA draft combine, leading him to turn pro. Losing Niederhauser is a significant setback for the Nittany Lions, who are aiming to improve their standing in the Big Ten. With few available options to replace him, Penn State’s coaching staff may need to look internationally for a new starting-caliber center, though this could be challenging and costly.

Georgetown Hoyas

Thomas Sorber had already indicated a low likelihood of returning to Georgetown by the time of the NBA draft combine, and his official departure is a major loss for the Hoyas as they strive to climb the Big East rankings under coach Ed Cooley in his third year. Although Georgetown has enhanced its talent, particularly on the wings, they now face uncertainty in the center position with newcomers like redshirt freshman Julius Halaifonua and St. John’s transfer Vince Iwuchukwu. The Hoyas may attempt a last-minute addition through the transfer portal or international markets, but viable options are becoming scarce.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Labeling Arkansas as a loser might seem harsh given their roster continuity and the return of Karter Knox, yet there was a glimmer of hope that star wing Adou Thiero might reconsider his professional ambitions and return. If Thiero had returned, Arkansas could have been considered a favorite for the SEC title and a contender for the national championship. The Razorbacks are still well-positioned, but could benefit from an additional strong wing player. Although coach John Calipari is pleased with the return of breakout candidate Knox and the inclusion of top recruits like D.J. Wagner, the team missed out on other key prospects like Watkins and Luis, who decided to stay in the draft.