5 Utah Natives Shine in NCAA Transfer Portal

From Collin Chandler to Jackson Holcombe, these players showcase the depth of basketball talent in the Beehive State.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the dynamic energy and potential of the Utah-born players in the transfer portal.The transfer portal showcases the diverse talent pool of Utah-born basketball players, each with their own unique journey and potential to make an impact.Provo Today

The NCAA Division I men's basketball transfer portal is buzzing with activity, and among the sea of names, a distinct Utah connection has emerged. A group of five players with Utah ties - Collin Chandler, Jordan Ross, Jake Wahlin, Isaac Finlinson, and Jackson Holcombe - are making waves with their impressive resumes and potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.

Why it matters

The presence of these Utah natives in the transfer portal highlights the depth of basketball talent in the state. Their diverse backgrounds and successful college careers demonstrate the ability of Utah to produce high-caliber players who can compete at the highest levels of the sport. As these players explore their options, they carry the hopes and expectations of the local basketball community, showcasing the state's passion for the game.

The details

Collin Chandler, a former Farmington High star and the 2022 Deseret News Mr. Basketball, spent two seasons at Kentucky and is now exploring his options, with rumors of a potential homecoming to BYU. Jordan Ross, a Pleasant Grove High product, brings experience and versatility after NCAA Tournament appearances at both Saint Mary's and Georgia. Jake Wahlin, a Provo native, has a story of resilience and growth, starting his career at Utah before transferring to Clemson and now potentially returning to BYU. Isaac Finlinson's nomadic journey has taken him to Utah Tech, Snow College, and most recently, Hawaii, where he showcased his well-rounded game. Jackson Holcombe, a breakout star at Utah Valley, has positioned himself as a highly sought-after talent with his impressive all-around performance.

  • Collin Chandler spent two seasons at Kentucky from 2022 to 2024.
  • Jordan Ross made NCAA Tournament appearances at Saint Mary's and Georgia.
  • Jake Wahlin started his career at Utah before transferring to Clemson.
  • Isaac Finlinson played at Utah Tech, Snow College, and most recently, Hawaii.
  • Jackson Holcombe had a breakout season at Utah Valley in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Collin Chandler

A former Farmington High star and the 2022 Deseret News Mr. Basketball, Chandler spent two seasons at Kentucky, where he averaged 9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 41% from beyond the arc.

Jordan Ross

A Pleasant Grove High product, Ross brings experience and versatility to the transfer portal, having made NCAA Tournament appearances at both Saint Mary's and Georgia. He averaged 6.7 points per game and contributed significantly on the boards and in assists.

Jake Wahlin

A Provo native, Wahlin started his career at Utah before transferring to Clemson, where he started 29 games and contributed to their NCAA Tournament run. He is now exploring a potential return to BYU, where he initially signed.

Isaac Finlinson

Finlinson's journey has taken him to Utah Tech, Snow College, and most recently, Hawaii, where he showcased his well-rounded game and impressive performance in the NCAA Tournament.

Jackson Holcombe

A breakout star at Utah Valley, Holcombe led the Wolverines in scoring and earned spots on both the All-WAC first team and all-defensive team, positioning himself as a highly sought-after talent with two years of eligibility remaining.

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The takeaway

The presence of these five Utah natives in the NCAA transfer portal showcases the depth of basketball talent in the state. Their diverse backgrounds, impressive resumes, and potential to make an immediate impact at the next level highlight the ability of Utah to produce high-caliber players who can compete at the highest levels of the sport. As these players explore their options, they carry the hopes and expectations of the local basketball community, further solidifying Utah's reputation as a basketball powerhouse.