Beating the Portal: Mid-Major Programs Retaining Key Players for 2026-2027--Bracket Busters
Despite all of these factors going against mid-major programs, we’ve
had some incredible stories developing over the last couple of weeks.
Some players, key players to be exact, are sticking to their oaths and
staying with their coaches to build something at their programs. We
aren’t just talking about programs like Utah State who have
significantly more resources than the average team. Programs like UIC,
Vermont, Valparaiso, Evansville, Austin Peay, Illinois State, and many
more have been able to retain at least one of their key players for next
season despite the fact there is no doubt they would have made more
money else where.
Let’s dive into who’s sticking with their team for next season.
Missouri ValleyThe
Missouri Valley as a whole is doing a great job of retaining talent.
I’ll state the fact that if you are a Bradley fan reading this…I’m
sorry.
Illinois State announced that both Johnny Kinziger and Chase Walker
would both be returning to the Redbirds next season. Walker averaged
13.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 54.5% overall
and 29% from three-point. Kinziger averaged 11.5 points, 2.5 rebounds,
3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 40% overall and 33% from
three-point.
The Redbirds went on a run to the NIT
Semifinals and while they ultimately lost Ty’Reek Coleman to the portal,
retaining their top two players in both Walker and Kinziger is going to
position them well to be one of the top favorites in the Missouri
Valley entering next season.
The UIC Flames fired off a series of posts announcing that players would be returning including the following: Mekhi Lowery, Rashund Washington Jr., Jayce Nathaniel, Andy Johnson, and Ahmad Henderson II.
While they lost their leading scorer Elijah Crawford, they returning
their next four top offensive pieces. Just as a friendly reminder, the
Flames went on a run in Arch Madness to reach the Championship where
they fell to Northern Iowa.
Lowery averaged 8.1 points,
5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 steals. Washington Jr. averaged 8.7
points and five rebounds. Johnson averaged 11.2 points, 3.5 rebounds,
and 1.7 assists. Henderson II averaged 12 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.3
assists. Nathaniel averaged 6.2 points and 4.5 rebounds.
Similar
to UIC, Valparaiso also released several “I’m Back” graphics to
announce the return of some key players. The full list includes: Justus McNair, JT Pettigrew, Rakim Chaney, Sader Servilus, and Carter Hopoi.
The Beacons showed a lot of improvement this season and Roger Powell
has now been able to retain some of their key players to build up for
next sesaon where they are most likely going to be a threat in the
Missouri Valley.
McNair averaged 7.9 points, 1.8 rebounds,
and one assist. Chaney averaged 10.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists,
and 1.4 steals. Pettigrew averaged 12.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8
assists. Servilus averaged 2.6 points and 2.6 rebounds. Hopoi averaged
3.8 points and 1.8 assists.
Evansville had a rough season, but one of their bright spots came from AJ Casey.
Casey previously played on the Miami Hurricanes squad that went to the
Final Four and he’s battled injuries throughout his career. He had his
first full opportunity last year and he took advantage. He averaged 13.5
points, 5.9 rebounds, two assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 51.1%
overall and 33.9% from beyond the arc. He continuously improved
throughout the season and was a large reason why the Aces were able to
compete in conference more strongly over the last month or so of the
season. Many assumed that he’d hit the portal, but instead he announced
that he’ll be returning.
Freshman Bryce Quinet
was another bright spot for the Aces as he averaged 8.7 points, 2.1
rebounds, 2.4 assists, and one steal per game while shooting 40.9%
overall and 30.3% from three-point. He showed a lot of promise as a
freshman, including some strong performances in conference play against
Bradley, SIU, and Valpo. Similarly, I figured he’d hit the portal, but
he elected to return with Casey.
The Aces also retained
redshirt freshman Aaron Gutman and freshman James Dyson-Merwe. They
still have a long way to go to build a roster that can compete in the
Missouri Valley, but being able to retain two strong players in both
Casey and Quinet should at least spark some hope for Evansville fans.
Assessing the top early transfers, returnees to Nashville area mid-major college basketball--Main Street Nashville
13 Key College Basketball Players Who Have Already Found New Homes via the Portal--Hoops HQ
The reigning MVC Defensive Player of the Year is heading to a program
known for its consistent greatness on that end of the floor. Nicknamed
“Bully” for his hard-nosed, physical style, Johnson and Iowa State are a
match made in heaven. The scrappy guard stepped into Bradley’s
starting lineup this season and averaged 16.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6
assists and 2.5 steals while shooting 38.3 percent from three. He should
assume a prominent role on the Cyclones alongside returning guard
Killyan Toure, helping to fill the massive void left by Tamin Lipsey’s
graduation.
Former Bradley player Jaquan Johnson chooses Iowa State for next college basketball team--Peoria Journal Star
Bradley receives commitment from NCAA transfer portal. What we know about Trevon Payton--Peoria Journal Star
Bradley Braves men's basketball gets commitment from Bulgaria point guard--Peoria Journal Star
Bradley men's basketball loses a Peoria-area player to transfer portal--Peoria Journal Star
Exclusive Interview: Bradley Commit Trevon Payton discusses journey from Division II to the Hilltop--The Bradley Scout
Transfer Portal Guard Target Emerges for Nebraska Basketball--Sports Illustrated
Klabo announces return for sophomore season--The Vidette
Murray State forward Dylan Anderson enters transfer portal--WPSD Local 6
Murray State women's basketball lands Nebraska transfer, McCracken County alum, Claire Johnson--WPSD Local 6
McCracken County alum Johnson ready for homecoming with Racers--WPSD Local 6
Johnson Joins Racers Ahead of 2026-27 Season--goracers.com
Predicting Leon Bond III’s Role With Iowa State Basketball--Sports Illustrated
UNI men’s basketball announces 2026-27 coaching staff--unipanthers.com
