San Diego State loses key players to transfer portal

Magoon Gwath, Miles Heide, and Pharaoh Compton among those leaving the Aztecs basketball team.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:49am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the disruption and upheaval facing the San Diego State basketball program.The Aztecs' roster overhaul exposes the challenges mid-major programs face in retaining top talent in the era of the transfer portal.San Diego Today

San Diego State University is facing a significant roster overhaul as several key players, including star center Magoon Gwath, have announced their intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Along with Gwath, starting center Miles Heide and backup Pharaoh Compton are also expected to depart, leaving the Aztecs with just six players on the roster and a major need to rebuild their frontcourt.

Why it matters

The loss of these players is a major blow to the Aztecs, who had high hopes for the upcoming season after making the NCAA tournament. The departures leave gaping holes in the team's lineup, particularly in the frontcourt, and will force head coach Brian Dutcher to be extremely active in the transfer portal to rebuild the roster.

The details

Magoon Gwath, a 7-foot forward, initially entered the transfer portal a year ago but withdrew a week later to return to the team. This time, however, his departure seems more permanent. Gwath has struggled with injuries throughout his career at SDSU, including major ankle and knee surgeries that have limited his playing time. In 2025-26, he started just 16 games and averaged 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds. Miles Heide, the team's starting center, and Pharaoh Compton, Heide's backup, have also announced plans to enter the transfer portal.

  • Gwath initially entered the transfer portal a year ago before withdrawing.
  • Gwath has now re-entered the portal, with his departure seeming more permanent this time.
  • Heide's agency announced two weeks ago that he was exploring 'opportunities' for his final season of eligibility.
  • Compton is also expected to enter the transfer portal, joining Gwath and Heide.

The players

Magoon Gwath

A 7-foot forward who has struggled with injuries throughout his career at San Diego State, including major ankle and knee surgeries that have limited his playing time. He started just 16 games in 2025-26, averaging 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds.

Miles Heide

The Aztecs' starting center, who has announced plans to enter the transfer portal after averaging 5.6 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 51% from the free-throw line in 2025-26.

Pharaoh Compton

Heide's backup, who is also expected to enter the transfer portal after struggling with foul trouble and seeing his playing time reduced late in the season.

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What they’re saying

“All players want to know what their value is on the open market. Then they weigh whether they value their experience maybe more than a better financial situation somewhere else.”

— Brian Dutcher, Head Coach

“He has to stay healthy. He has to continue to put his work in, and he'll have a chance to reach his potential. And that's all you ever want, to reach your potential, but you have to be healthy to do that.”

— Brian Dutcher, Head Coach

What’s next

The Aztecs will need to be active in the transfer portal to fill the holes left by the departing players, particularly in the frontcourt. Head coach Brian Dutcher has said the team is pursuing at least one European player to help address their need for a strong rebounder.

The takeaway

The loss of Gwath, Heide, and Compton is a significant setback for the Aztecs, who will have to completely rebuild their roster and frontcourt for the upcoming season. This exodus of talent highlights the challenges mid-major programs face in retaining their best players in the era of the transfer portal.