Gonzaga's Cade Orness Enters Transfer Portal

The first of many or few for the Pacific Northwest program this offseason?

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:24am

Redshirt freshman guard Cade Orness has entered the NCAA transfer portal, becoming the first player from Gonzaga's 2025-26 roster to do so. Orness, a former walk-on turned scholarship player, appeared in eight games for the Zags, finishing with three points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 20 minutes logged.

Why it matters

Orness' decision to enter the transfer portal could signal the start of roster changes for Gonzaga, a prominent college basketball program in the Pacific Northwest. Player transfers are common in the offseason as athletes seek new opportunities, and Orness' move may be the first of several for the Bulldogs.

The details

Orness, a 6-5, 185-pound guard, hails from Poulsbo, Washington, and played at North Kitsap High School, where he was the Vikings' all-time leading scorer with 1,821 career points. The transfer portal officially opens up the day after the national championship on Tuesday, April 7, and will be open for 15 days until April 26.

  • The transfer portal officially opens up the day after the national championship on Tuesday, April 7.
  • The transfer portal will be open for 15 days until April 26.

The players

Cade Orness

A redshirt freshman guard who has entered the NCAA transfer portal, becoming the first player from Gonzaga's 2025-26 roster to do so.

Ryan Murphy

Orness' agent.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“According to his agent, Ryan Murphy, redshirt freshman guard Cade Orness has entered the NCAA transfer portal.”

— Ryan Murphy, Cade Orness' agent

The takeaway

Orness' decision to enter the transfer portal could be the first of several roster changes for Gonzaga this offseason, as players often seek new opportunities during the offseason. The Bulldogs will need to navigate these potential departures as they look to build on their success in the upcoming season.