College basketball’s 2025 transfer portal isn’t just shifting rosters, it reshaping the economics of the sport. Several players changed schools with NIL packages that surpass NBA rookie salaries. Here’s a look at the five biggest confirmed or reported transfer deals from the 2025 portal cycle.
Top 5 NIL Deals from 2025 Transfer Portal
| Player | Previous School | New School | Reported NIL Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Wright III | Baylor | BYU | $3.5 million |
| Yaxel Lendeborg | UAB | Michigan | $3.0 million |
| Donovan Dent | New Mexico | UCLA | $3.0 million |
| Darrion Williams | Texas Tech | TBD | $2.5 million |
| Jayden Quaintance | Arizona State | Kentucky | $2.0 million |
🥇 Rob Wright III — $3.5 million
- Previous school: Baylor
- New school: BYU
- Position: Guard
Wright flipped the transfer market when he committed to BYU for a reported $3.5 million. The freshman guard leaves Baylor after a promising debut season and joins a reloaded BYU roster led by new coach Kevin Young. BYU’s collective wanted a star to pair with AJ Dybantsa — Wright is that guy.
🥈 Yaxel Lendeborg — $3.0 million
- Previous school: UAB
- New school: Michigan
- Position: Forward
Lendeborg, a walking double-double, turned down NBA interest and other high-majors for Michigan’s $3 million offer. The Wolverines had to overpay to compete, and they did. Lendenborg is expected to be the team’s centerpiece under Dusty May.
🥉 Donovan Dent — $3.0 million
- Previous school: New Mexico
- New school: UCLA
- Position: Guard
Dent was one of the top guards in the country and cashed in big with UCLA. Reports pegged his deal at $3 million. The Bruins see him as a plug-and-play lead guard with high usage and immediate Big Ten impact.
4. Darrion Williams — $2.5 million
- Previous school: Texas Tech
- New school: TBD
- Position: Forward
Williams hasn’t committed yet, but insiders say he’s fielding offers in the $2.5 million range with BYU leading the chase. The versatile wing averaged 11.4 points and 7.5 boards last season and could be the most polished uncommitted forward left. A Big Ten or SEC program could be his next stop.
5. Jayden Quaintance — $2.0 million
- Previous school: Arizona State
- New school: Kentucky
- Position: Center
After one year at Arizona State, the 5-star freshman returned to Kentucky — and got paid. The reported $2 million deal brings him back to the program he originally signed with, now under Mark Pope. He’ll anchor the frontcourt in Lexington with NBA eyes still watching.
