The NBA Draft withdrawal deadline officially brought clarity to the 2026-27 college basketball season, and some massive names are heading back to campus. Across the country, contenders received huge boosts from stars deciding another year in college basketball was better than entering a loaded NBA Draft class.
From Final Four contenders to rising programs trying to break through nationally, these returning players could completely shape the upcoming season.
10. Patrick Ngongba II, Duke
There may not be a more important returning piece for Duke than Patrick Ngongba II. The Blue Devils once again have talent everywhere, but Ngongba gives Jon Scheyer something every elite team needs in March: a defensive anchor who can completely change games around the rim. He quietly developed into one of the best defensive bigs in the country last season while continuing to improve offensively. Another jump from Ngongba could turn Duke into one of the most complete teams in college basketball.
9. Milan Momcilovic, Uncommitted
No player still connected to the transfer portal has created more intrigue than Milan Momcilovic. The former Iowa State forward is one of the purest shooters in college basketball after nearly hitting 50 percent from three-point range last season. In an era where spacing matters more than ever, Momcilovic instantly changes an offense the moment he walks into a program. Whoever lands him is getting a player capable of swinging conference races and Final Four conversations.
8. Elliot Cadeau, Michigan
Michigan does not win the national championship last season without Elliot Cadeau controlling the offense. Cadeau finally looked fully comfortable running a high-level team during the Wolverines’ postseason run, and his growth as a shooter changed everything for Michigan offensively. Now he returns with even higher expectations as the leader of a program trying to defend a national title in one of the toughest conferences in America.
7. Thomas Haugh, Florida
Thomas Haugh returning to Florida feels massive for the entire national title picture. The Gators already looked like one of the deepest teams in the country, and now they bring back one of the most versatile forwards in college basketball. Haugh impacts winning in almost every category. He rebounds, defends multiple positions, scores efficiently and brings toughness every night. Florida suddenly looks built for another deep March run because of decisions like this.
6. Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt
Tyler Tanner may still be underrated nationally despite doing nearly everything for Vanderbilt last season. He can score at all three levels, create for teammates and pressure defenses for an entire game. What separates Tanner from many guards in college basketball is how complete his game feels. Vanderbilt already added strong portal pieces, but Tanner returning gives the Commodores a legitimate star capable of carrying them into the top tier of the SEC.
5. Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
Arizona keeping Motiejus Krivas might end up being one of the biggest offseason wins in the country. At 7-foot-2, Krivas changes games defensively with his rim protection and physical presence around the basket, but he is also much more skilled offensively than most centers his size. The Wildcats made a Final Four run last season because of their frontcourt dominance, and Krivas returning gives Arizona another real chance to compete for a national championship.
4. Braylon Mullins, UConn
Braylon Mullins already had one of the biggest moments of last season when he buried a massive shot against Duke during UConn’s tournament run. Now he enters next season with even more responsibility after Solo Ball’s injury news. Mullins has the confidence, shot-making and toughness Dan Hurley loves in big-game guards. UConn will once again expect to compete at the highest level, and Mullins could become one of the biggest stars in the sport.
3. Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State
Love him or hate him, Jeremy Fears Jr. completely controls games. Michigan State’s point guard became one of the best playmakers in the country last season while helping the Spartans remain one of the most disciplined teams in college basketball. His ability to manage tempo, create easy offense and pressure defenses makes Tom Izzo’s team dangerous again heading into 2026-27. With another talented roster around him, Fears has a real chance to become one of the faces of the sport.
2. Alex Condon, Florida
Florida bringing back Alex Condon may have been one of the most important retention decisions of the offseason. Few frontcourt players in the country impact both ends of the floor the way Condon does. He can guard multiple positions, rebound, facilitate offense and create mismatches because of his size and skill. Florida already looked loaded entering next season, but Condon’s return raised the ceiling even higher for a team chasing another national title.
1. Tounde Yessoufou, St. John’s
Rick Pitino and St. John’s just landed a player who could completely shift the national championship conversation. Tounde Yessoufou, deciding to withdraw from the NBA Draft and head to Queens gives the Red Storm one of the most explosive two-way players in college basketball. The former Baylor star averaged nearly 18 points per game while attacking the rim, defending at a high level and playing with nonstop energy. St. John’s already broke through with a Sweet 16 run last season, but adding a player like Yessoufou makes the Red Storm feel like a legitimate Final Four contender entering 2026-27.
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