BYU Big Man Abdullah Ahmed Enters the Transfer Portal

The 6-10 sophomore previously played in the G League before joining BYU.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:21pm by

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented basketball court with overlapping geometric shapes and lines, representing the uncertainty and transition surrounding BYU's frontcourt after the transfer of its starting center.The departure of BYU's starting center leaves the team's frontcourt in flux as it looks to rebuild its roster through the transfer portal.Portland Today

BYU big man Abdullah Ahmed will enter the NCAA transfer portal after playing a backup center role for the Cougars last season. Ahmed enrolled halfway through the 2025-26 season and averaged 1.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game in limited playing time.

Why it matters

Ahmed's departure leaves BYU with no true big men on the roster, as the team is already replacing all five starters from last season. The Cougars will need to find a new starting center and backup big in the transfer portal.

The details

Ahmed was brought in to BYU to provide a physical presence in the paint, particularly on the defensive end. However, his lack of offensive production prevented him from seeing consistent playing time as the season progressed. He had a season-high 23 minutes in BYU's win over Colorado.

  • Ahmed enrolled halfway through the 2025-26 season at BYU.
  • Ahmed entered the transfer portal on April 12, 2026.

The players

Abdullah Ahmed

A 6-10 sophomore center who played a backup role for BYU last season after previously playing in the G League.

Keba Keita

The starting center for BYU last season who has since graduated, leaving a hole in the Cougars' frontcourt.

AJ Dybantsa

A BYU player who is expected to declare for the NBA Draft, further depleting the Cougars' roster.

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What they’re saying

“NEWS: BYU center Abdullah Ahmed plans to enter the @TransferPortal, he told @On3.”

— Joe Tipton, Reporter

What’s next

BYU will need to find a new starting center and backup big man in the transfer portal to replace the departures of Abdullah Ahmed and Keba Keita.

The takeaway

Ahmed's transfer leaves BYU with a significant hole in the frontcourt, as the team is already replacing all five starters from last season. The Cougars will need to be active in the transfer portal to find the necessary pieces to rebuild their roster for the upcoming season.