Nijel Pack, the star guard from Miami, has hit the NCAA Transfer Portal. After three seasons with the Hurricanes, he’s chasing a sixth year of eligibility. An ankle injury derailed his latest campaign, limiting him to nine games. Now, with a medical waiver in sight, he’s ready to bring his potential to a new team.
Top Landing Spots for Nijel Pack
Pack’s journey took a turn after a standout sophomore year at Kansas State. He transferred to Miami in 2022, landing an $800,000 NIL deal, one of the richest in college hoops. His first season in Coral Gables paid off.
The Hurricanes reached their first-ever Final Four, with Pack averaging 16.4 points and shooting 42.6% from three in the postseason. “He was a key piece in that run,” a Miami insider noted. “His shooting opened up everything.”
Injuries struck hard after that. A nagging lower-body issue hampered him in 2023-24. Fans hoped for a rebound this year, but another ankle injury sidelined him early. He spent most of the season in a walking boot. Then, Miami’s longtime coach, Jim Larrañaga, retired unexpectedly. The team unraveled, finishing with just seven wins. For Pack, a fresh start beckoned.
With a career 40% three-point mark and 17.4 points per game as a Kansas State sophomore, Pack’s skills are undeniable. He’s a proven leader, too, guiding Miami to that 2023 Final Four as their fourth-leading scorer. Now, he’s in high demand on the portal. Here are five teams that could snag him for 2025-26.
1) Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana’s roster is in chaos, only two players return from this year. New coach Darian DeVries has cash to spend and a backcourt to rebuild. Pack’s veteran savvy and long-range accuracy would pair well with transfer point guard Fernando Mendoza. The Hoosiers want a quick Big Ten turnaround.
2) Syracuse Orange
Syracuse kept stars JJ Starling and Donnie Freeman, but depth is thin. Coach Adrian Autry loves guard-driven offenses. Pack’s point guard skills and three-point stroke fit like a glove. His Final Four run could mentor a young squad. Syracuse aims to rise in the ACC, and Pack might be the spark.
3) Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky thrived under Mark Pope this season, but backcourt losses are on their head. Pack’s 4.3 assists and 13.9 points per game (in limited action) suit Pope’s fast, guard-centric style. With elite NIL funds, Kentucky can lure him. He’d get a shot at another deep March run in Lexington.
4) Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga reloads with seasoned guards every year. If Ryan Nembhard goes pro, Pack’s 43.6% three-point shooting (2021-22) and playmaking fill the gap. Coach Mark Few thrives with transfers like him. Pack could keep the Bulldogs atop the WCC and in national contention.
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5) Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue nearly landed Pack in 2022 before he picked Miami. Now, with Braden Smith possibly NBA-bound, they need a scorer. Pack’s Indianapolis roots make it personal. Matt Painter’s system, paired with bigs like Trey Kaufman-Renn, could maximize his talents.
Pack’s choice will boil down to minutes, fit, and NIL deals. His shooting and leadership make him a prize. Whichever team wins him gets a highly experienced guard ready to shine in 2025-26.
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