Gonzaga lands former 5-star Houston recruit via transfer portal

Bulldogs add highly touted guard Isiah Harwell to bolster roster ahead of Pac-12 move.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a college basketball player in motion, their body fragmented into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in Gonzaga's blue and red colors, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.Gonzaga's transfer portal coup adds a dynamic playmaker to their roster as they prepare for a new era in the Pac-12.Pocatello Today

Gonzaga basketball has landed a major transfer portal victory, securing the commitment of former five-star recruit Isiah Harwell, who previously signed with the University of Houston. The 6-foot-6 guard will now join the Bulldogs as they prepare to transition to the Pac-12 Conference in the coming realignment cycle.

Why it matters

This transfer represents a significant coup for Gonzaga, as they aim to reload their roster and maintain their status as a national powerhouse ahead of their move to the Pac-12. Harwell was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school and his addition should provide a boost to the Bulldogs' backcourt.

The details

Harwell, a native of Pocatello, Idaho, joined a talented freshman class at Houston last season that included fellow five-star recruit Kingston Flemings. However, Harwell struggled to earn consistent playing time, averaging just 3.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game while playing only 13.8 minutes per contest. Now, he'll look to revive his college career at Gonzaga and potentially position himself for an NBA future.

  • Harwell entered the transfer portal in March 2026 following his freshman season at Houston.
  • He announced his commitment to Gonzaga on April 13, 2026.

The players

Isiah Harwell

A former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American, Harwell is a 6-foot-6 guard who is expected to be an impact two-way player for Gonzaga in the Pac-12.

Mark Few

The longtime head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Few has led the program to consistent national prominence and will be tasked with integrating Harwell into the team as they transition to the Pac-12 Conference.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American in the 2025 class was a projected NBA draft pick entering the season.”

— Jeff Borzello, ESPN college basketball insider

What’s next

Harwell will need to sit out the 2026-27 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but he is expected to be eligible to play for Gonzaga starting in the 2027-28 campaign as the Bulldogs make their debut in the Pac-12.

The takeaway

Gonzaga's addition of Isiah Harwell via the transfer portal represents a significant recruiting victory for the program as they prepare to join the Pac-12 Conference. The highly touted guard should provide a boost to the Bulldogs' backcourt and help them maintain their status as a national powerhouse in the years to come.