While it’s currently closed during the season, coaches have already done their homework for 2025–26, and fans everywhere are trying to keep track of who’s playing where. The ACC, as always, is filled with movement and intrigue.
Here’s a look at six transfers who could make the biggest impact in the conference this season.
Isaac McKneely, Louisville Cardinals
The 6-foot-5 guard moves from one ACC school to another after three strong seasons at Virginia. McKneely averaged 14.4 points per game for the Cavaliers last year and will be counted on to become the primary scorer for a Louisville team looking to rise quickly in the standings. His ability to shoot and create his own shot should make him one of the most dangerous guards in the league.
Henri Veesaar, North Carolina Tar Heels
The 7-footer from Estonia joins Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels after showing flashes of big potential. Veesaar averaged 9.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last year while shooting nearly 60 percent from the field. He’ll anchor the middle for a UNC team that also added Colorado State’s Kyan Evans and several other key transfers. His size and efficiency make him a crucial addition for a program looking to reload, not rebuild.
Malik Reneau, Miami Hurricanes
New head coach Jai Lucas is rebuilding the Hurricanes from the ground up, and Malik Reneau might be his centerpiece. The former Indiana forward led the Hoosiers in scoring last season with 13.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He’ll pair with Michigan transfer Tre Donaldson as Miami looks to move out of the ACC basement. Reneau’s inside scoring and Big Ten experience could quickly turn the Hurricanes into a much tougher out.
Darrion Williams, North Carolina State Wolfpack
Williams arrives from Texas Tech after earning first-team All–Big 12 honors. The versatile forward averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, ranking near the top of the Red Raiders in almost every major category. He also played a key role in their Elite Eight run. New coach Will Wade has been aggressive in the portal, adding nine transfers, and Williams could be the emotional and physical leader this team needs.
Malik Thomas, Virginia Cavaliers
Thomas follows new head coach Ryan Odom to Charlottesville after starring at San Francisco. He was one of the best players in the West Coast Conference last season, averaging 19.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. With Virginia’s roster in transition, Thomas will be asked to contribute right away. His scoring ability could give the Cavaliers the spark they’ve been missing.
Cooper Schwieger, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Schwieger comes from Valparaiso, where he was an All–Missouri Valley Conference selection. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 15.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 34 games last season. Head coach Steve Forbes brings him in to fill the all-around role left open by Hunter Sallis, who led Wake Forest in scoring and assists a year ago. Schwieger’s toughness and consistency make him a perfect fit for the Demon Deacons’ style.
Rising from the Shuffle
The transfer portal has changed the way teams build, but it’s also created new opportunities for players and programs alike. These six transfers represent hope and the endless belief that the next season can be the one that turns everything around.