Top Transfer Players Shine in Final Four

Yaxel Lendeborg and Jaden Bradley lead the way as top transfer talents make an impact

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:19am

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As the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament reaches its climactic Final Four stage, the spotlight has shone brightly on several high-profile transfer players who have made a major impact for their new teams. Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel and Kansas' Yaxel Lendeborg and Jaden Bradley are among the standout transfer talents who have elevated their squads to college basketball's biggest stage.

Why it matters

The rise of these transfer players underscores the growing importance of the NCAA transfer portal, which has allowed top talents to switch schools and make an immediate impact. Their success also highlights the parity in college basketball, as programs outside the traditional powerhouses have been able to land elite transfers and compete at the highest level.

The details

Buyuktuncel, a junior forward who transferred from Gonzaga, has been a dominant force for Nebraska, averaging a double-double and anchoring the Cornhuskers' stifling defense. Lendeborg, a senior guard who came to Kansas from Oregon, has provided scoring punch and playmaking ability for the Jayhawks. And Bradley, a sophomore guard who transferred from Duke, has emerged as a two-way star for Kansas, showcasing his scoring prowess and lockdown perimeter defense.

  • The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is currently in the Final Four stage.
  • The semifinal games will be played on April 5, 2026.
  • The national championship game is scheduled for April 7, 2026.

The players

Berke Buyuktuncel

A junior forward who transferred from Gonzaga to Nebraska, Buyuktuncel has been a dominant force for the Cornhuskers, averaging a double-double and anchoring their stifling defense.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A senior guard who transferred from Oregon to Kansas, Lendeborg has provided scoring punch and playmaking ability for the Jayhawks as they've advanced to the Final Four.

Jaden Bradley

A sophomore guard who transferred from Duke to Kansas, Bradley has emerged as a two-way star for the Jayhawks, showcasing his scoring prowess and lockdown perimeter defense.

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What they’re saying

“Berke has been the heart and soul of our team all season. His energy and toughness have been instrumental in getting us to this point.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Nebraska Cornhuskers

“Yaxel and Jaden have been huge for us. Their experience and talent have been a huge boost, and they've really embraced the Kansas culture.”

— Bill Self, Head Coach, Kansas Jayhawks

What’s next

The winners of the Final Four matchups on April 5 will advance to the national championship game on April 7, where they will compete for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball title.

The takeaway

The success of these transfer players highlights the growing importance of the NCAA transfer portal in college basketball. Programs outside the traditional powerhouses are now able to land elite talent and compete at the highest level, leading to increased parity and excitement in the sport.