The 2025 men’s college basketball transfer portal has been a flurry of activity, with thousands of players seeking new homes as programs scramble to rebuild rosters for the 2025-2026 season.
Here we highlight the top five forwards in the transfer portal.
Top 5 Forwards in the Transfer Portal
Yaxel Lendeborg
Yaxel Lendeborg, a 6’9”, 240-pound forward from UAB, is now committed to Michigan, and his performances makes him a great matchup. Having a 30-point, 20-rebound, and eight-assist game in the AAC Tournament was one of the most dominant lines in college basketball last season, showcasing his ability to impact every facet of the game.
Lendeborg averaged 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game at UAB, proving he can dominate the paint while stretching defenses with his passing and mid-range touch.
Darrion Williams
Darrion Williams, a 6’6” forward from Texas Tech, averaged 15.5 points and 5.5 rebounds last season, playing a key role in the Red Raiders’ Elite Eight run. His decision to enter the portal has programs salivating over his potential to elevate an offense.
Williams excels in pace-and-space systems, where his ability to create off the dribble and knock down catch-and-shoot shines. Of course, he is not a slouch, capable of disrupting passing lanes with his length and switching onto guards. He has not yet committed, but high-major programs like Kansas, Auburn, and UCLA are rumored to be in the mix.
Chad Baker-Mazara
On April 17, Chad Baker-Mazara’s entry into the portal sent shockwaves through college basketball. Standing at 6’7”, the forward was a key starter for Auburn’s Final Four team, with a total average point of 12.3 on 44.8% shooting.
His departure means Auburn has lost all five starters from their 32-6 squad, but Baker-Mazara’s next destination will gain a proven winner. With one year of eligibility left due to a COVID-19 waiver and prior non-NCAA experience, he’s a hot take.
LeJuan Watts
Standing 6’6”, 233-pound forward from Washington State, LeJuan Watts is flying under the radar but won’t stay there long. On April 12, he committed to Texas Tech. Watts had a total average of 13.7 points and shot an impressive 42% from three, projecting his ability to stretch the floor.
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His physicality allows him to dominate in the mid-post, while his cutting and off-ball movement make him a perfect fit for structured offenses.
Jarin Stevenson
Jarin Stevenson, a 6’11” forward from Alabama, is a former five-star recruit with appealing potential. After two seasons in Tuscaloosa, he had a total average of 5.3 points and three rebounds. April 9, Stevenson entered the portal seeking a bigger role.
Now committed to North Carolina, he’s poised to become the Tar Heels’ starting power forward alongside Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar.
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