Desmond Claude, a dynamic All-Big Ten guard, has become one of the most coveted names in the transfer portal after a breakout season at USC. With his market value peaking, top programs and their NIL collectives are vying for his signature ahead of the 2025-26 season.
NIL Era Heats Up as Top Programs Pursue Claude
Claude’s transfer saga has quickly become one of the most closely watched stories of the offseason. After averaging 15.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds at USC—earning All-Big Ten honorable mention—Claude entered the portal just before the deadline, immediately drawing interest from college basketball’s elite.
According to Jeff Goodman, “Tennessee and Oregon both reached out to USC transfer Desmond Claude today… Claude also looking at Alabama and Gonzaga. SMU has also been in the mix”.
Tennessee and Oregon both reached out to USC transfer Desmond Claude today, source told @thefieldof68.
Claude also looking at Alabama and Gonzaga. SMU has also been in the mix.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 28, 2025
Gonzaga, Alabama, and Washington have emerged as frontrunners, each offering unique advantages. Under Mark Few, Gonzaga touts a consistent NCAA Tournament pedigree and a system that develops NBA talent, making it an attractive destination for Claude to raise his draft stock.
Alabama, meanwhile, is leveraging its strong NIL resources and immediate backcourt needs, especially after losing key guards in the offseason. “A return to the NCAA is the expectation… I think that’s a good pressure. I’d rather that pressure to the other way. I like a little pressure on me,” said Alabama coach Nate Oats, underscoring the program’s high standards and the opportunity for Claude to play a starring role.
The NIL landscape has fundamentally shifted the calculus for top transfers like Claude. Washington, for example, is aggressively rebuilding its roster and, with robust NIL backing, can offer both a featured role and financial incentives that rival any program in the country. The competition is fierce, and as one analyst noted, “Money talks, baby. And where the money is, people are going to follow that. That is the next level for some people now”.
Decision Looms: Fit, Role, and NIL Offers in the Balance
As the recruitment nears its conclusion, Claude is weighing more than just basketball fit. Alabama and Texas A&M are reportedly confidently positioned in the driver’s seat, providing a clear, immediate role along with a strong NIL package, while Gonzaga remains a compelling option for player development and national exposure.
The delay in Claude’s Alabama visit has only intensified speculation, with both sides expected to revisit discussions after the NCAA dead period in June.
Other programs, including Tennessee, Oregon, and SMU, have made late pushes, but the consensus is that the combination of NIL power, on-court opportunity, and national profile will determine Claude’s next stop.
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As one insider put it, “Claude is looking for a proven backcourt mate to share playmaking & a team built for a deep run,” indicating that both competitive ambitions and financial security are at the heart of his decision.
In the new era of college basketball, Claude’s recruitment exemplifies how NIL collectives and transfer portal dynamics are reshaping the sport. As the deadline approaches, all eyes remain on where this All-Big Ten guard—and his soaring portal value—will land next.
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