Tarleton State Guard Dior Johnson Enters Transfer Portal After Breakout Season

The 24-PPG scorer seeks a major Division I opportunity after a standout year with the Texans.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:50am

An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and scoring ability of a basketball player, with their features and uniform details blurred into energetic brushstrokes.After a breakout season that saw him emerge as one of college basketball's most prolific scorers, Dior Johnson seeks a new opportunity to showcase his explosive talent on a bigger stage.Corona Today

Tarleton State guard Dior Johnson, who averaged 24.0 points per game this past season to rank second in NCAA Division I, has entered the transfer portal. The former five-star recruit and highly touted high school prospect is looking to join a major Division I program for his senior year after a standout campaign with the Texans, where he earned WAC Sixth Man of the Year and Second Team All-WAC honors.

Why it matters

Johnson's decision to enter the transfer portal comes after a breakout season that saw him emerge as one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball, despite coming off the bench for most of the year. His transfer could land him at a high-major program where he can showcase his talents on a bigger stage and potentially earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Despite missing 12 games due to injuries, the 6-foot-3 guard showed his explosive scoring ability, posting a season-high 42 points against Baylor and scoring 20 or more points in 14 games, including five with 30-plus points and two with 40 or more. Johnson's performance earned him five WAC Newcomer of the Week awards and three WAC Player of the Week honors.

  • Johnson announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • He signed with Tarleton State just nine months ago, in the summer of 2025.

The players

Dior Johnson

A 6-foot-3 guard who averaged 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game for Tarleton State this past season, earning WAC Sixth Man of the Year and Second Team All-WAC honors.

Billy Gillispie

The head coach of the Tarleton State Texans, who allowed Johnson to score freely and make plays for the team despite coming off the bench for most of the season.

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What they’re saying

“NEWS: Tarleton State's Dior Johnson plans to enter the transfer portal, per @JoeTipton”

— The Field of 68, Social Media Account

What’s next

Johnson's decision to enter the transfer portal will likely generate significant interest from major Division I programs seeking a high-scoring guard for the 2026-27 season. The next step will be to see which schools he ultimately chooses to visit and potentially commit to as he looks to continue his redemption journey and showcase his talents on a bigger stage.

The takeaway

Dior Johnson's decision to enter the transfer portal after a standout season at Tarleton State highlights the continued evolution of the college basketball landscape, where talented players are increasingly seeking opportunities at high-major programs to boost their profiles and chances of reaching the NCAA Tournament. Johnson's journey has been marked by both promise and controversy, and his next move could be a pivotal one in determining the trajectory of his college career.