Not every transfer portal story starts with a five-star recruit or a power conference name. Some start a little quieter. A little closer to home. And sometimes, those are the ones worth watching the most.
That’s exactly the case with Noah Cleveland, whose journey from Division III dominance to a Division I opportunity with the Illinois State Redbirds feels like more than just another roster addition.
This move was definitely under the radar, but it might end up being very impactful.
This wasn’t just a good season, it was a takeover
Cleveland didn’t just ease into college basketball. He dominated it. Under head coach Ron Rose, he put together one of the most impressive freshman seasons in Division III. He averaged 18.8 points and 11.3 rebounds while shooting nearly 60 percent from the field. He piled up double-doubles, protected the rim, and impacted games on both ends.
The accolades followed quickly. National Rookie of the Year. First Team All-American. Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in the same season.
That kind of resume doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when a player is simply better than the level he’s playing at.
The move isn’t just up, it’s home
The jump to Division I is always a question mark, but Cleveland’s situation feels different. He isn’t leaving everything behind. He’s stepping into something familiar.
A Normal, Illinois native, Cleveland now joins a program that has long been part of his story. His family ties to Illinois State run deep, and that connection mattered in this decision. His brother Zach is the best player for the Liberty Flames.
Head coach Ryan Pedon and his staff believed in Cleveland early, even offering him before most others did. Now, years later, the timing finally lines up.
That kind of fit matters more than people think.
Why this could be a perfect match
Illinois State isn’t starting from scratch. The Redbirds are coming off a 23-win season and a run to the NIT semifinals, showing real progress under Pedon. What they needed was a player who could bring toughness, production, and consistency to the front court.
That’s exactly what Cleveland offers.
At 6-foot-8, he plays bigger than his size. He rebounds at a high level, finishes efficiently, and brings a physical edge that translates across levels.
The biggest question will be adjustment speed. Division I athletes are bigger, faster, and more experienced.
But Cleveland’s production, motor, and versatility suggest he’s built to handle that jump.
One of the most interesting stories to watch
Not every breakout star comes from a blue blood. Sometimes they come from smaller gyms, quieter programs, and paths that don’t get much attention until they force people to look.
Cleveland has already done that once.
Now he gets the chance to do it again, this time on a bigger stage with the Illinois State Redbirds.
And if his first season was any indication, this probably won’t stay under the radar for long.
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