Juke Harris is, without a doubt, one of the big prospects still out there in the transfer portal. He just had a significant breakthrough season in his sophomore year with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, earning Second Team All-ACC honors and being named the ACC Most Improved Player of the season.
This attracted the attention of teams like Michigan and North Carolina, who are looking to get him through the transfer portal.
According to Pete Nakos, the three schools with a true chance of getting the transfer are Michigan, North Carolina and Tennessee. Many see the Volunteers as the frontrunners here, as Harris has a personal relationship with head coach Rick Barnes from his high school years.
Michigan would come after them, as Dusty May seems to be personally involved in the process in an attempt to lure the player to Ann Arbor. The fact that the Wolverines are currently the reigning national champions is certainly helping his case.
The dark horse in the race is the North Carolina Tar Heels of Michael Malone. It looks like the former Denver Nuggets head coach is going all in on trying to get the ACC Most Improved Player of the Year.
The Chapel Hill authorities reportedly offered around $3 million in NIL money to get him. Despite this, analysts think their chances are considerably lower than the other two programs, although recent developments could point to a change in their odds.
North Carolina is Closing on Wake Forest’s Juke Harris as the Transfer Portal Draws to a Close
Michael Malone’s North Carolina is also closing on Juke Harris, with recent reports pointing to members of the Tar Heels staff, with the help of Henri Veesaar, who are trying to court the Wake Forest player in California. Veesaar, one of the highest scorers for the Tar Heels this past season, shares an agent with Harris.
The move would help North Carolina to start revamping a roster that lost significant offensive output with the departure of freshman star Caleb Wilson, who is set to join the NBA later this year.
Wilson averaged 19.8 points per game last season, making him North Carolina’s top scorer and the 38th-best scorer in the nation. While playing a different role, Harris could help fill in the game and then some, as he averaged 21.4 points per game in 2025-26, making him the 16th-best scorer in the country.
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Setback Ensues for Michael Malone As UNC Still Uncertain for Next Season’s Staff
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