Wisconsin Transfer John Blackwell Reportedly Narrows List to Six Schools, Illinois Seen as Top Fit

The highly-coveted guard is down to Alabama, Arizona, Duke, Illinois, Louisville and UCLA, with Illinois viewed as the best destination.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:55pm by

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of a basketball player, rendered in a cubist style with vibrant colors of blue, orange, and green.A cubist interpretation of a talented college basketball player's dynamic movements on the court, hinting at the strategic importance of his transfer decision.Portland Today

Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, the No. 2 overall player in the portal according to 247 Sports, has narrowed his list of potential destinations to six schools: Alabama, Arizona, Duke, Illinois, Louisville and UCLA. While all six programs have the financial resources to offer lucrative NIL deals, the fit and opportunity at Illinois make the Illini the most logical landing spot for Blackwell.

Why it matters

Blackwell's decision will have major implications for the 2026-27 college basketball landscape. As one of the top available transfers, he has the potential to significantly boost whichever program he chooses, potentially turning them into a national title contender. Illinois, in particular, is seen as the ideal fit given their need for a star guard and Blackwell's familiarity with the program from playing them twice.

The details

Blackwell, a 6'5" guard, is coming off a strong season at Wisconsin where he averaged 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. While Alabama, Arizona, Duke, Louisville and UCLA all have openings in their backcourts that could appeal to Blackwell, Illinois stands out as the best overall fit. The Illini are expected to return the core of a team that made the Final Four this past season, and adding Blackwell would give them a go-to scorer and playmaker to lead the way. Blackwell also has a family connection to Illinois, as his father Glynn played four years for the program.

  • Blackwell is expected to visit two schools before making his final decision by May 4, a week before the NBA Draft Combine.

The players

John Blackwell

A 6'5" guard who was the No. 2 overall player in the 2026 transfer portal, according to 247 Sports. Blackwell is coming off a strong season at Wisconsin where he averaged 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

Glynn Blackwell

The father of John Blackwell, who played four years at Illinois.

Labaron Philon Jr.

An Alabama guard who recently declared for the NBA Draft, creating a backcourt opening that could appeal to Blackwell.

Jaden Bradley

An Arizona guard who is out of eligibility, leaving a hole in the Wildcats' backcourt.

Brayden Burries

An Arizona guard who is expected to declare for the NBA Draft, further opening up playing time for Blackwell.

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What they’re saying

“Will visit two schools before committing by May 4, a week before the NBA Draft Combine.”

— Jonathan Givony, Draft Express

“The frontrunners for Blackwell are Illinois and Duke.”

— Travis Branham, 247Sports

What’s next

Blackwell is expected to visit two schools before making his final decision by May 4, a week before the NBA Draft Combine.

The takeaway

Illinois appears to be the ideal destination for Blackwell, as the Illini have the need, the supporting cast, and the system that would allow the star guard to thrive. If Blackwell chooses Illinois, the Illini would instantly become a top national title contender for the 2026-27 season.