Magoon Gwath has announced his decision to leave the San Diego State Aztecs after two seasons, demonstrating that, when healthy, he’s a reliable defensive player. Limited to 16 starts this season due to injuries, he couldn’t replicate his performances from his freshman season, when he won the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards.
He will likely now look for Power Five opportunities in his junior year. Here are the best options available for him.
Top 5 Landing Spots for Magoon Gwath
#5 UCLA Bruins
Magoon Gwath played high school ball at Veritas Prep in California, so a return to the Golden State could be something that appeals to him. The UCLA Bruins also have an undeniable NIL appeal, just by virtue of being in one of the top metro areas in the nation. He could serve as a direct replacement for departing forwards Tyler Bilodeau and Steven Jamerson.
#4 Alabama Crimson Tide
Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide stumbled a bit this season in the SEC and the NCAA Tournament, after having established themselves as serious contenders in the last few years. Gwath’s ability to score three-pointers from the outside would be a good fit for Oats’ offense. The possibility of playing in the SEC has to be an exciting prospect for any player.
#3 Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas is losing significant defensive output through the portal with the departure of Flory Bidunga, who was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. While Gwath is certainly no one-for-one replacement, he was the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in 2025. He could contribute to strengthening the perimeter for Bill Self.
#2 Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Bulldogs, while dominating the West Coast Conference once more, had a disappointing NCAA Tournament with only a second-round appearance. Gonzaga will surely look to the transfer portal to improve its roster for next season’s March Madness run. Magoon Gwath could serve as a replacement for departing senior All-American Graham Ike.
#1 Kentucky Wildcats
The Wildcats are currently the favorites to get Magoon Gwath’s services. It’s no secret that this season was a disappointment for Mark Pope’s team, and that their defense could do well with some improvement.
Pope tried to recruit Gwath last season, and despite the current state of the program, Kentucky is a significant upgrade over San Diego State. He could be a big player who gives the Wildcats better rim-protection, while also contributing to the offense.
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