College basketball transfer portal team rankings: Arkansas leaps to No. 2 just behind Texas Tech – 247Sports

Eight significant transfers flew off the board in a three-day span this past weekend. Ricky Council IV (Arkansas), Adam Miller (LSU), Osun Osunniyi (Iowa State), Kyle Lofton (Florida), Josh Mballa (Ole Miss), Dexter Dennis (Texas A&M), Donald Carey (Maryland) and Tre Mitchell (West Virginia) would form a really good eight-man rotation if they were all on the same team. All eight guys project to either start or play significant minutes next year.
All the commitments have reshuffled 247Sports’ transfer portal team rankings. Obviously, the top of the transfer portal team rankings is skewed toward the teams who have been very active in the portal and racked up a significant number of commitments.
But let’s dive into each of the top-10 teams that made the cut, along with the analysis on who is the jewel of the transfer portal class and who might be a little better than you’d expect next year.
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Here are the top 10 teams in the transfer portal team rankings:
Team score: 25.72
The class: De’Vion Harmon (Oregon), D’Maurian Williams (Gardner-Webb), Fardaws Aimaq (Utah Valley), Jaylon Tyson (Texas)
The jewel: Texas Tech has assembled a quartet of really talented weapons, but Aimaq might have the path to the biggest role next year. He’s still going through the NBA Draft process, but Aimaq has a real shot at the highest usage rate at Texas Tech thanks to his brilliant all-around game. Texas Tech can surround him with the right pieces, too. Kevin Obanor provides a floor-stretching forward who can match up with some of the versatile forwards in the Big 12 which allows Aimaq to be able to lurk as a rim-protecting help defender. The pieces are in place for Aimaq to have a monster 2022-23 campaign for the Red Raiders.
Most underrated: Williams is a 6-foot-5 wing who shot 38.8% from 3-point range during his sparkling two-year run at Gardner-Webb. There are legitimately zero reasons why he shouldn’t factor into the rotation right away. Mark Adams is a savant at finding mid-major studs and letting them shine at Texas Tech. Williams looks like he’s up next.
Team score: 24.45
The class: Ricky Council IV (Wichita State), Makhi Mitchell (Rhode Island), Makhel Mitchell (Rhode Island), Jalen Graham (Arizona State), Trevon Brazile (Missouri)
The jewel: Council is going to be a stud, but Brazile is the safe choice here. He’s absolutely gushing in upside. If Brazile just sticks with what he does best, he’s going to earn plenty of playing time right away. Brazile is going to be an awesome rim protector and he’ll dunk everything thrown remotely close to the rim. But if he puts it all together, Brazile has NBA Lottery pick upside.
Most underrated: It might be easy to overlook Makhi Mitchell in this crowded frontcourt, but age really matters in college basketball. He’s a veteran who has been through wars. He won’t be scared by any challenge he sees. Mitchell has to refine his game, but if he embraces his role, Mitchell could be a real weapon for Arkansas. His ability to draw fouls and bring a physical edge to the game could be a really nice change-of-pace for Arkansas even if Jaylin Williams runs it back. Plus, Arkansas knows it has a guy it can throw at reigning National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe.
Team score: 24.38
The class: Clifton Moore (La Salle), Noah Locke (Louisville), Devin Carter (South Carolina), Bryce Hopkins (Kentucky), Corey Floyd Jr. (UConn)
The jewel: You just can’t pick one. Both Hopkins and Carter are enormous additions for Providence. They each have superstar potential, and their games should complement each other really well. Veteran guard Jared Bynum is back, so it’s going to be his team, but don’t be surprised if Carter and Hopkins flex their muscles as the two most talented players on the team.
Most underrated: Let’s not forget that Locke was one of the prized free agents last offseason. The former Florida and Louisville guard is a deadeye from downtown. He should really have some serious gravity that opens up driving lanes. One thing that’s special about Providence coach Ed Cooley is his ability to create an environment that gets the most out of his players. There was a real camaraderie and togetherness with the Friars last year. Locke endured a pretty toxic environment this past season at Louisville. A fresh scene could be ideal and help the veteran sniper get back to his bucket-getting ways.
Team score: 24.24
The class: Amir Spears (Duquesne), Jay Heath (Arizona State), Brandon Murray (LSU), Wayne Bristol Jr. (Howard), Akok Akok (UConn), Bradley Ezewiro (LSU)
The jewel: Murray is clearly the best player that Georgetown has reeled in. Murray was an impactful two-way wing in the SEC as a freshman, but there’s so much room for growth in his game, too. Murray is going to make an enormous jump as the lead guard for Patrick Ewing and the Hoyas. Murray could easily compete for Big East Player of the Year.
Most underrated: Amir “Primo” Spears showed a ton of promise as a freshman at Duquesne. Spears averaged 12.7 points, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound guard could earn a ton of playing time at either guard spot for Georgetown.
Team score: 23.85
The class: Trey Bonham (VMI), Will Richard (Belmont), Alex Fudge (LSU), Kyle Lofton (St. Bonaventure)
The jewel: Lofton might not be the best point guard in the transfer portal, but he’s way up there. Lofton legitimately is exactly what Todd Golden needed. He can run the show, he knows when to pick his spots to score and he guards his butt off. Lofton is going to be a beast.
Most underrated: Richard might not earn a starting spot, but he’s going to be an impactful role player right away. The former Belmont stud was a serviceable shooter who really competed on the glass. Golden will find plenty of minutes for Richard due to his all-around game. He will buy into whatever role the Gators need immediately.
Team score: 22.68
The class: KJ Williams (Murray State), Kendal Coleman (Northwestern State), Justice Hill (Murray State), Trae Hannibal (Murray State), Cam Hayes (NC State), Derek Fountain (Mississippi State),
The jewel: Williams was an absolute monster get for Matt McMahon. The reigning Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year averaged 18 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this past season. Williams has the strength and athleticism to have no issues with the length and speed of the SEC.
Most underrated: The SEC is loaded with standout guards, but Hill absolutely could come in and be one of the conference’s best newcomers. He’s so shifty and explosive. Keeping Hill out of the lane is an impossible task.  
Team score: 22.29
The class: Osun Osunniyi (St. Bonaventure), Tre King (Eastern Kentucky), Jaren Holmes (St. Bonaventure), Jeremiah Williams (Temple), Hason Ward (VCU)
The jewel: Osunniyi is such a flawless fit for what Iowa State wants to do with its defense. The St. Bonaventure star will be one of the premier shot-blockers in college basketball next year, and he makes opponents think twice before entering the lane. There is untapped upside with his offensive game that T.J. Otzelberger wants to unlock.
Most underrated: Williams certainly has some frustrating shooting splits, but his defense and playmaking are so enticing. With Izaiah Brockington (graduated) and Tyrese Hunter (entered transfer portal) both out of the picture, there’s plenty of playing time available in Iowa State’s backcourt. Williams should come right in and make an immediate impact. He has legitimate All-Big 12 Defense upside.
Team score: 21.85
The class: Baylor Scheierman (South Dakota State), Francisco Farabello (TCU)
The jewel: Scheierman has everything it takes to be a star at Creighton. The 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard is comfortable handling the rock, but he can also play off the ball, too. According to Synergy, Scheierman checked in at the 98th percentile in points per possession in spot-up opportunities. Scheierman shot 47% from 3-point range, 54% in the lane and 73% at the rim. Scheierman ranked in the 98th percentile in unguarded catch-and-shoot opportunities and in the 87th percentile in guarded catch-and-shoot spots.
Most underrated: Scheierman cannot be the jewel of the class and the most underrated, so Farabello gets the spot here. Creighton knows all too well how an injury can completely change the season. Farabello provides a very competent backup guard, but don’t be surprised if he works his way into a staple of the Bluejays’ rotation.
Team score: 21.77
The class: Devan Cambridge (Auburn), Desmond Cambridge Jr. (Nevada), Warren Washington (Nevada), Frankie Collins (Michigan)
The jewel: Collins completely changes the trajectory of the Arizona State backcourt. The style of play that Collins has should be attractive on the recruiting trail for Bobby Hurley, and Collins has a chance to be a fan favorite right away thanks to his ridiculous on-ball defense and his reckless attacks on the rim. Michigan thought Collins was going to be a breakout stud in 2022-23. But Arizona State might cash in on Collins’ sophomore surge.
Most underrated: We might not have seen it yet, but Devan Cambridge absolutely has All-Pac-12 upside. Cambridge was in a tough spot at Auburn, surrounded by some All-American talents and some ball-dominant guards. Arizona State could be just the spot for Cambridge to flash his all-around brilliance.
Team score: 21.55
The class: Tristen Newton (East Carolina), Nahiem Alleyne (Virginia Tech), Hassan Diarra (Texas A&M)
The jewel: Newton did not have the national spotlight at East Carolina, but he garnered the respect and admiration from every coach and player who faced off against him. Newton had a ton of interest when he hit the transfer portal, but he believed that UConn was his best fit. Newton’s scoring and distributing prowess gives him a chance to blow up and become one of college basketball’s elite guards.
Most underrated: Virginia Tech coach Mike Young runs beautiful sets with lots of options. The Hokies had a stocked backcourt and the offense ran through star big man Keve Aluma. That meant that Alleyne slipped under the radar a little bit. But he’s teaming up with Newton and should get a ton of shots at UConn. Alleyne is a fantastic 3-point shooter, but he’s also able to knock down one-dribble pull-ups with ease.
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