15. Dedan Thomas - LSU
2025-26 stats (16 games): 15.3 ppg and 6.5 apg
Injuries limited the 6’1 point guard this past season, but including the two years at UNLV, he averaged around 15 ppg in his college career. Thomas did have a trio of 10+ assist outings for the Tigers, including 16 points and 12 assists against SMU. He was one of the top point guards a year ago in the portal, and that should remain the same this time around.
14. Miles Byrd - San Diego State
2025-26 stats: 10.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.6 apg
The 6’7 wing is one of the best defenders in all of the portal, earning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors. Byrd has also been a double-digit scorer for the past two years with the Aztecs, scoring 20+ points on three occasions this past season. While not the greatest shooter, Byrd’s defense alone makes him an appealing option.
13. Devin Royal - Ohio State
2025-26 stats: 13.7 ppg and 5.7 rpg
The 6’6 forward has averaged 13.7 ppg in each of the last two years at Ohio State, shooting 50% from the field and improving his three-point shot, making a career-high 31/98 from deep this past year. Royal had four games of at least 20 points, including 25 in a win over Wisconsin. As a proven high-major starter, Royal should get plenty of interest in the portal.
12. Neoklis Avdalas - Virginia Tech
2025-26 stats: 12.1 ppg and 4.6 apg
The 6’9 guard was a top-tier international prospect and had his moments this past season, including 33 points and six assists in an OT win over Providence. Avdalas only shot 39% from the field overall and had some inconsistent outings, but still has a high ceiling as a lead guard due to his size and playmaking ability.
11. Paulius Murauskas - Saint Mary’s
2025-26 stats: 18.4 ppg and 7.6 rpg
The 6’8 forward is coming off career-high numbers with the Gaels, shooting nearly 50% from the field and scoring double figures in all but two games this past season. That includes a 32-point and 15-rebound effort in the road win over Pacific. Murauskas will be one of the top power forwards available with one year of eligibility left.