The transfer portal has sparked a new recruiting battle for Iowa guard Aaliyah Guyton. Just days after entering the portal, the freshman has already garnered interest from over a dozen programs, including multiple Big Ten powerhouses that initially recruited her out of high school.
With a basketball pedigree as the daughter of former Indiana standout A.J. Guyton, the four-star recruit’s decision comes at a pivotal moment. After joining Iowa during the post-Caitlin Clark transition and averaging 4.7 points in limited minutes, Guyton now weighs options across various conferences, potentially reshaping her collegiate career trajectory.
Big Ten Programs Pursuing Aaliyah Guyton
The Michigan State Spartans and Purdue Boilermakers, both conference rivals of Aailyah Guyton’s former team, the Iowa Hawkeyes, have emerged as notable contenders for her talents. Both programs have established connections to the Illinois native.
Michigan State made Guyton’s original top-five list during her high school recruitment, while Purdue offered an impressive performance against the Hawkeyes in Guyton’s freshman campaign.
NEWS: Iowa transfer Aaliyah Guyton has heard from the following programs since entering the transfer portal, she told @On3sports.
Nebraska
Michigan State
ASU
Illinois
Ball State
Bradley
Fairfield
Purdue
Utah State
UMass
DePaul
Oregon
UIC
MarquetteTRACKER:… pic.twitter.com/xP6gjFYgpJ
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) April 1, 2025
Nebraska and Illinois have also reached out, providing Guyton with additional Big Ten opportunities. Illinois could be particularly appealing as an in-state option close to her hometown of Peoria, where she dominated high school competition with 26.2 points per game during her senior year.
Non-Big Ten Programs Competing For the Guard
Oregon represents an intriguing Pacific Northwest option for Guyton. It offers a different basketball environment while remaining in a Power Five conference, and the Ducks’ program could provide the freshman guard with a fresh start away from the Big Ten spotlight.
Marquette leads a contingent of schools from other conferences showing interest alongside DePaul and Arizona State. Smaller programs like Bradley, located in Guyton’s hometown of Peoria, Ball State, Fairfield, and Utah State, have also reached out, suggesting Guyton is considering various levels of competition.
Guyton’s decision will likely balance several factors beyond program prestige. Her freshman season at Iowa showed flashes of potential amid shooting struggles, as she averaged 4.7 points while playing 16.4 minutes per game across 29 appearances.
With one start under her belt and notable performances against BYU and Purdue, she demonstrated capability that could flourish with increased playing time.
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The timing of Guyton’s transfer follows Iowa’s transitional season after Caitlin Clark’s departure. Originally drawn to Iowa by the prospect of learning from the WNBA-bound star, Guyton may now seek a program where she can develop her talents and address areas of improvement.
As the transfer process unfolds, Guyton’s basketball pedigree and four-star recruit status continue to attract attention.
HoopGurlz ranked her No. 58 overall in the 2024 class, and her potential remains undeniable despite freshman year adjustment challenges. Whichever program secures her commitment will gain a guard with scoring ability and defensive instincts that made her one of the most sought-after recruits just one year ago.
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