The SEC has once again become one of the most active and talented conferences in college basketball. With new coaching changes, roster turnover, and players chasing bigger stages, the transfer portal reshaped the league heading into 2025-26. The conference added explosive guards, elite defenders, and NBA-level talent across the board. Here’s a closer look at the top impact transfers who will define this season in the SEC.
Boogie Fland – Florida Gators
After a strong start at Arkansas, where he averaged 15.1 points per game, Fland made the surprising decision to join the defending national champions in Gainesville. The talented guard will pair with Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee to form one of the country’s most dynamic backcourts. Fland’s scoring ability and competitiveness make him an instant difference-maker for coach Todd Golden.
Jayden Quaintance – Kentucky Wildcats
Quaintance missed much of last season with an ACL injury, but before that, he was one of college basketball’s most dominant interior defenders. At 6’9 with great mobility, he’s already viewed as a top-five NBA prospect. The Wildcats will take their time bringing him back, but once healthy, he’ll anchor Kentucky’s defense and provide a strong inside presence.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie – Tennessee Volunteers
The former Maryland guard joins a retooled Tennessee roster aiming to maintain its defensive toughness. Gillespie was a Third-Team All-Big Ten selection last season after averaging 14.7 points per game. He’ll be asked to steady the Volunteers’ backcourt after the departure of Zakai Zeigler, bringing leadership and scoring punch.
Dedan Thomas Jr. – LSU Tigers
Thomas arrives from UNLV as one of the best pure point guards in the country. The sophomore averaged 15.6 points and 4.7 assists last season and should thrive in Matt McMahon’s up-tempo system. With LSU looking to return to NCAA Tournament contention, Thomas’ ability to control the game will be vital.
Keyshawn Hall – Auburn Tigers
The Tigers added a major scoring boost in Hall, who transferred from UCF after earning Second-Team All-Big 12 honors. He averaged 18.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while showing versatility as a 6’7 forward. Playing for first-year head coach Stephen Pearl, Hall will be a focal point of Auburn’s offense right away.
Jalil Bethea – Alabama Crimson Tide
After struggling to find rhythm at Miami, Bethea gets a fresh start under Nate Oats. The former five-star prospect averaged 7.1 points last season but still has elite shooting potential. Alabama’s high-paced system fits his game perfectly, and a breakout season could be on the horizon.
Xaivian Lee – Florida Gators
The Ivy League standout from Princeton brings efficiency and experience to Gainesville. A two-time All-Ivy performer, Lee averaged 16.9 points per game and shot 37 percent from three-point range. His combination of poise and shooting touch gives Florida a steady presence to replace Walter Clayton Jr.
Jaland Lowe – Kentucky Wildcats
Lowe was Pittsburgh’s leading scorer last year, averaging 16.8 points per game and earning All-ACC honors. Now joining a loaded Kentucky roster, he’ll be expected to take on a complementary role as a playmaker. If he adjusts well, he could be the X-factor for the Wildcats’ offense.
SEC Power Shift
The SEC’s transfer haul might be the most impressive in the nation. Florida reloaded after its championship run, Kentucky added NBA-caliber talent, and programs like Auburn, LSU, and Tennessee made major upgrades. With so much new star power, the conference could deliver one of its most balanced and entertaining seasons in years.