Bidunga tops transfer rankings

Flory Bidunga of Louisville was named the top player on the CBS Sports all-transfer first team for the 2026 college basketball season. The 6-foot-9 forward, who transferred from Kansas, was selected as the league's leading defensive presence.

Bidunga's selection follows an exhibition victory over Kansas where he guarded Tyran Stokes effectively. Louisville coach Kelsey praised Bidunga's work ethic, stating that having the best player be the hardest worker provides a distinct advantage for the Cardinals.

The first team also includes Acaden Lewis of Miami and John Blackwell of Duke. Lewis, a left-handed point guard from Villanova, posted 23 points and 10 assists in an exhibition game against Vanderbilt. Blackwell, a transfer from Wisconsin, has become Duke's best three-point shooter and a key option in late-game situations.

Tounde Yessoufou of St. John's and Milan Momcilovic of Kentucky completed the first team. Yessoufou is expected to increase his scoring in the Big East with playmaking support from Quinn Ellis. Momcilovic is recognized as the sport's best shooter, with Kentucky coach Mark Pope noting his ability to make difficult shots and draw defensive attention.

The second team features Dedan Thomas of Houston, PJ Haggerty of Texas A&M, Paulius Murauskas of Arizona State, David Punch of Texas, and Moustapha Thiam of Michigan. Thomas brings elite playmaking to Houston, while Haggerty provides rim pressure for Texas A&M. Murauskas anchors the Arizona State frontcourt, and Punch adds defensive versatility to Texas.

Moustapha Thiam is expected to improve his decision-making while protecting the rim for Michigan alongside Elliot Cadeau. The third team includes Isaiah Johnson of Texas and Kayden Mingo of Baylor. Johnson, a guard from Colorado, is valued for his finishing ability and ball security. Mingo, a transfer from Penn State, is transforming Baylor's point guard position into a strength in his second year.

CBS Sports excluded 5-in-5 seniors like Keyshawn Hall and Jaxon Kohler from the rankings because their full-season eligibility is not yet guaranteed. The Michigan Wolverines won the national championship last year with four starting transfers, prompting other programs to invest heavily in the transfer portal.