Florida retained key players like Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon while only adding one player from the transfer portal for the 2026-27 season. Connecticut also secured Braylon Mullins, a projected first-round pick, for another season.
Key points
Florida retained key players for the 2026-27 season
Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon are returning
Florida added only one player from the transfer portal
Connecticut secured Braylon Mullins for another season
Retention was crucial for Florida's offseason success
Florida only added one player via the college basketball transfer portal ahead of the 2026-27 season, but came away as one of the biggest winners of the offseason due to retention.
The Gators were able to keep leading scorer Thomas Haugh and two-year starting forward Alex Condon for next season, despite both players having heavy NBA interest. Starting guard Boogie Fland is also returning, and starting center Rueben Chinyelu is testing the NBA draft waters while maintaining his eligibility.
Sometimes the best additions are the ones already on the roster, especially in todayās era of the transfer portal and name, image and likeness influencing players' decisions.
Hereās a look at our top-10 retentions ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season, whether it was an NBA or portal decision looming:
Which players did Florida retain for the 2026-27 season?
Florida retained leading scorer Thomas Haugh, forward Alex Condon, and guard Boogie Fland for the upcoming season.
What impact did retention have on Florida's offseason success?
Retention allowed Florida to emerge as one of the biggest winners of the offseason despite limited portal additions.
Who is Braylon Mullins and why is his return significant for Connecticut?
Braylon Mullins is a March Madness hero who returned for his second season, despite being projected as a first-round pick, enhancing Connecticut's roster.
How many players did Florida add from the transfer portal for the 2026-27 season?
Florida added only one player from the college basketball transfer portal ahead of the 2026-27 season.
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UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) hits a go-ahead three-point basket late in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) hits a go-ahead three-point basket late in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies celebrates after shooting the game-winning three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC
Braylon Mullins #24 celebrates with Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies after shooting the game-winning three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
UConn Huskies guard Malachi Smith (0) celebrates with UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) after a game-winning three-point basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after making the game-winning three-point basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
The UConn Huskies huddle up against the Duke Blue Devils prior to an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) passes the ball against Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) goes to the basket against Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21)in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) shoots over Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) and UConn Huskies forward Jayden Ross (23) celebrate after a play against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) scores against Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) and is fouled in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley celebrates after a play against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts after a shot clock violation against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies looks on against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies drives to the rim during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies drives to the hoop against Patrick Ngongba #21 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies dunks against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 celebrates with Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Jayden Ross #23 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies reacts after shooting a three point basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies shoots a three point basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies celebrates after shooting a three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Braylon Mullins #24 celebrates with Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies after shooting the game-winning three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
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Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) hits a go-ahead three-point basket late in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
1 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) hits a go-ahead three-point basket late in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
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Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) hits a go-ahead three-point basket late in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
3 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies celebrates after shooting the game-winning three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC
4 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Braylon Mullins #24 celebrates with Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies after shooting the game-winning three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
5 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies guard Malachi Smith (0) celebrates with UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) after a game-winning three-point basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
6 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after making the game-winning three-point basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
7 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
The UConn Huskies huddle up against the Duke Blue Devils prior to an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
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Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
9 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
10 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) passes the ball against Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
11 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) goes to the basket against Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21)in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
12 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) shoots over Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
13 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
14 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) and UConn Huskies forward Jayden Ross (23) celebrate after a play against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
15 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) scores against Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) and is fouled in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
16 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley celebrates after a play against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
17 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
18 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
19 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
20 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts after a shot clock violation against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena.
21 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies looks on against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
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Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
23 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies drives to the rim during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
24 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies drives to the hoop against Patrick Ngongba #21 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
25 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies dunks against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
26 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 celebrates with Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
27 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Jayden Ross #23 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC
28 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
29 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
30 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies reacts after shooting a three point basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
31 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies shoots a three point basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
32 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies celebrates after shooting a three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
33 / 33
Braylon Mullinsā late game-winner lifts UConn past Duke
Braylon Mullins #24 celebrates with Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies after shooting the game-winning three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Mullins proved to be a missing puzzle piece for Dan Hurley and UConn to get back to the Final Four as an all-around player, highlighted by his ability to hit challenging shots. He hit the game-winning shot to get the Huskies to within two wins of their third national championship title in the past four NCAA tournaments.
After averaging 12.0 points per game, 33.5% from 3-point shooting and 29 starts in 33 games, he was being projected as a mid- to late-first round draft pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. However, he opted to return to the Huskies for his sophomore season, where there's "unfinished business" to be settled.
Mullinsā return to UConn positions him as one of the top players in the country and one of the Huskies' leading scorers next season, but also gives him a real chance to elevate his stock into a lottery pick for the 2027 NBA Draft.
Haugh is another player who seemed destined to declare for the draft. He decided to pass up on being a projected lottery pick and return to the Gators in an attempt to making one last deep run in March Madness after an abrupt end this past season.
"Most guys in my position in the draft, it would be a no-brainer to go to the NBA," Haugh said on his reasoning. "Itās not just the NIL. Itās a chance to play with my boys. To play for coach (Todd) Golden." While NIL certainly isn't the main reason in his return, it certainly is a factor in why the Gators were able to retain him. As noted by ESPN, Haugh is expected to be one of the highest-paid players in the country this upcoming season which, like Mullins, will likely be more than he would have potentially made in the NBA.
His return gives Golden an All-American returning to his frontcourt and a reliable go-to scorer and rebounder who averaged 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game last season.
Patrick Ngongba II was another top talent who opted to run it back one more year in college rather than go to the NBA, where he was projected as a late first-round draft pick.
The return of the 6-11 center is a big one for Duke, who will look to give it another go at snapping an 11-year national championship drought. Ngongba finished asĀ Duke's third-leading scorer last season with 10.1 points per game and 60.6% shooting from the field, while being one of the top defensive players in the country with 5.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
Before sustaining a foot injury just before the ACC Tournament, Ngongba was playing some of his best basketball down the stretch of the regular season, as he scored in double figures in five straight games before the injury.
Marquette guard Nigel James Jr. (0) celebrates his dunk during the second half of their game Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Marquette beat Creighton 86-62.
Marquette guard Nigel James Jr. (0) celebrates his dunk during the second half of their game Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Marquette beat Creighton 86-62.
One of Marquette's most important offseasons in the Shaka Smart era began with retaining the core three ā Nigel James Jr., Adrian Phillips and Royce Parham ā of the Golden Eagles' freshman class for their 2026-27 roster rebuild.
The first domino to fall came on Day 1 of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden when James announced he was returning to the Golden Eagles for his sophomore season during his Big East Freshman of the Year acceptance speech. It was not only a moment that shut down any thought of him potentially entering the transfer portal, but it also provided Marquette with a point guard and go-to scorer to build around with its expected portal activity.
The 6-foot guard finished as one of just two freshmen in the country to finish with at least 19.0 points, 5.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game in conference games this past season, with the other being Darius Acuff Jr. at Arkansas.
All signs pointed to Cayden Boozer returning to Duke for a sophomore season after playing alongside his brother, Cameron Boozer. His announcement of his return was a big one for Jon Scheyer.
Boozer provided Duke with quality minutes at the end of the season when Caleb Foster got injured ahead of the ACC Tournament. The 6-4 guard, the son of former Duke legend Carlos Boozer, averaged 13 points per game in the seven starts he made during Foster's absence.
Tyler Tanner enjoyed a breakout season in 2025-26, averaging 19.5 points with 3.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game for Vanderbilt. The 6-foot sophomore declared for the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility, keeping the option to return to school.
Tanner returning to Vanderbilt looks likely, where heāll be well-compensated and be one of the best returning guards in college basketball. His size (listed at 6-foot), along with the 2026 class being loaded at guard, could factor into his decision.
Alex Condon, Florida
Florida Gators forward/center Alex Condon (21) drives the ball in the first half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
Florida Gators forward/center Alex Condon (21) drives the ball in the first half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
Condon nearly left Florida for the NBA Draft after winning a national championship in 2025. He returned for 2025-26 and now will be back again for 2026-27 as a senior.
The 6-11 Australian averaged 15.1 points with 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game last season for the Gators, and formed one of the best frontcourts in college basketball with Haugh and Chinyelu, whoās also trending toward a return next season.
Condon could be the best returning big man in college basketball next season, especially with his playmaking ability as both a scorer and passer.
One of the most popular breakout picks for next season, former five-star recruit Trey McKenney is returning for 2026-27 despite having NBA interest after his true freshman season at Michigan.
The 6-4 former McDonaldās All American averaged 9.9 points while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range off the bench for the reigning national champions. He should enter the starting lineup next season, and has a chance to turn into Michiganās go-to scorer as a sophomore.
McKenney averaged 12 points per game during the NCAA Tournament and was a huge retention win for coach Dusty May and the Wolverines.
Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic also entered his name into 2026 NBA Draft consideration, although it's becoming increasingly likely he'll return to school.
The 6-7 guard was an NCAA Tournament breakout, earning All-Region honors after averaging 13.8 points with four rebounds per game off the bench for the Fighting Illini. The two-time transfer will likely start alongside a cast of Illinois returners, including Tomislav Ivisic and David Mirkovic, along with transfer Stefan Vaaks from Providence.
Stojakovic, the son of former NBA star Peja Stojakovic, averaged 13.5 points per game in his first season after transferring from Stanford and Cal.
BYU guard Rob Wright III initially entered the transfer portal, but the Cougars were able to retain their second-leading scorer for his junior season.
Wright averaged 18.1 points with 3.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game last season, despite playing second fiddle to projected No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa. Wright will pace BYU in 2026-27 and will be the No. 1 option for the squad in his second season after transferring from Baylor.
Wright was one of the top-ranked players in the transfer portal, but he ends up returning to BYU, where heāll be asked to score early and often.