Thanks to the rise of the transfer portal, talent in college basketball is more evenly distributed than ever before. As a result, mid-major programs are no longer just underdog stories. Instead, they have become legitimate homes for high-level talent. This season, a handful of transfers are poised to make major impacts outside the Power Five spotlight. So let’s explore five of the best mid-major transfers to keep an eye on in the 2025–26 NCAAB season.
Jaden Henley (Transferring to Grand Canyon)
Jaden Henley’s journey through college basketball has taken him from Minnesota to DePaul to UNLV, and now to Grand Canyon University. At 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds, Henley brings size, athleticism, and versatility to the Antelopes’ backcourt. Last season at UNLV, he posted career highs across the board with 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
Henley’s two-way versatility makes him a key addition for GCU. His length and defensive instincts allow him to disrupt passing lanes, while his offensive game continues to evolve. He can score off the dribble, finish at the rim, and knock down perimeter shots when needed.
Grand Canyon has emerged as a powerhouse in the Western Athletic Conference, and Henley’s arrival only strengthens their roster. With NCAA Tournament aspirations, the Antelopes will rely on his experience and all-around impact to lead them through a competitive WAC schedule. If he continues to develop, Henley could become one of the most complete players in the conference.
Dug McDaniel (Transferring to Memphis)
Dug McDaniel might be the most high-profile name on this list, and for good reason. After starting his career at Michigan and spending last season at Kansas State, McDaniel brings a wealth of experience to the University of Memphis. The 5-foot-11 junior point guard averaged 11.4 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while starting 23 of 32 games for the Wildcats.
McDaniel is a true floor general with excellent court vision, quickness, and leadership. He plays with a high motor and is not afraid to take control of the offense in crunch time. His ability to push the pace, find open teammates, and defend opposing guards makes him a complete point guard.
At Memphis, McDaniel will be tasked with leading a team that has high expectations in the American Athletic Conference. Head coach Penny Hardaway has built a program that blends young talent with experienced transfers, and McDaniel fits that mold perfectly. His leadership and playmaking will be crucial as the Tigers aim for a deep postseason run. If he stays healthy and consistent, McDaniel could be one of the top point guards in the AAC.
Josh Pascarelli (Transferring to Colorado State)
Colorado State landed a sharpshooter in Josh Pascarelli, who transferred from Marist after a breakout season in the MAAC. The 6-foot-3 junior guard averaged 10.7 points per game and made 62 three-pointers at a 37.8 percent clip. He scored in double figures 16 times and had a season-high 26 points against Dartmouth, showcasing his ability to take over games when needed.
Pascarelli’s offensive game is built around his perimeter shooting, but he is more than just a spot-up threat. He moves well without the ball, understands floor spacing, and can create his own shot when necessary. His shooting ability will fit perfectly into Colorado State’s offense, which emphasizes ball movement and spacing.
The Rams have consistently been one of the better offensive teams in the Mountain West, and Pascarelli’s addition gives them another perimeter weapon. His experience and consistency will be key as Colorado State looks to return to the NCAA Tournament. If he replicates or improves upon his Marist production, Pascarelli could be one of the most dangerous shooters in the conference.
Tajavis Miller (Transferring to New Mexico State)
Tajavis Miller is a name that should be on every Mountain West fan’s radar. After a strong season at North Dakota State, Miller brings his scoring and veteran presence to New Mexico State. The 6-foot-4 senior guard averaged 10.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 51 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. His ability to score in bunches was on full display with 19 double-digit scoring games, including a career-high 26 points in the Summit League Tournament against South Dakota.
Miller’s game is built on aggressive drives to the basket and finishing through contact. He was named the 2024 Summit League Sixth Man of the Year, showcasing his impact off the bench. At New Mexico State, under new head coach Eric Olen, Miller is expected to take on a more prominent role. His ability to score in multiple ways and lead by example will be key for a backcourt looking for stability. With the Aggies aiming to reestablish themselves as a Mountain West contender, Miller could be a critical piece this season.
JaVaughn Hannah (Transferring to San Jose State)
San José State made a significant addition to its backcourt with the transfer of JaVaughn Hannah from Western Michigan. The 6-foot-4 junior guard averaged 12.0 points per game last season and started 24 of 30 games for the Broncos. Hannah also recorded 47 assists and 14 steals, showing he can impact the game beyond just scoring.
Hannah was named the 2024 MAC Sixth Man of the Year. Now, he steps into a larger role with the Spartans, where head coach Tim Miles is building a competitive program in the Mountain West. Hannah’s scoring ability, particularly his mid-range game and ability to get to the rim, will be vital for a team that struggled to generate offense in key moments last season.
His experience and leadership will also be important in a relatively young backcourt. Hannah’s move to San José State gives him a platform to showcase his full skill set. If he continues to grow as a playmaker, he could emerge as one of the most impactful guards in the conference.
Each of these players brings a unique skill set, valuable experience, and a hunger to prove themselves on a new stage. As the 2024–25 college basketball season unfolds, these names could be the ones flipping scoreboards and turning heads come March.
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