Jamir Watkins Transfer Portal: Arkansas Leads Louisville & Illinois; Texas A&M Could Be Surprise Destination

Jamir Watkins is weighing his professional future after declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft and entering the transfer portal with a “do not contact” tag. But if he returns to college, Arkansas has emerged as the frontrunner to land the versatile 6’7″ forward. Louisville and Illinois are also interested in the former Florida State guard while Kentucky has all but withdrawn from the race. Find out which team offers the best fit for Watkins’ next team.

Why Arkansas Makes The Most Sense for Jamir Watkins

With how the transfer portal has shaken out, it looks like Arkansas has a clear advantage in the chase to sign Watkins, who is one of the best players remaining in the college basketball transfer portal.

Watkins’ game aligns perfectly with Arkansas’ current needs and direction under head coach John Calipari. He brings proven two-way production (18.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.4 APG at FSU last season) and over 120 games of college experience — assets Calipari has relied on during his transition-heavy years. He also played with former FSU star Malique Ewin, who also took his talents to Fayetteville. The tandem could help immediately elevate the Razorbacks to SEC contenders, which likely makes Watkins among the top players left on Calipari’s board.

Here’s what Arkansas and Watkins can offer one another:

• Versatility: Watkins can defend multiple spots and play on or off the ball.
• Immediate Role: Calipari is building through the portal and needs experienced scorers.
• NIL Leverage: Arkansas is one of the most aggressive programs in NIL compensation. Watkins could earn more staying than as a late first/early second round pick.
• NBA Prep: Calipari’s NBA pipeline is still a major draw, even outside of Kentucky.

Arkansas has also been linked to players like PJ Haggerty, but Watkins is a better fit. Not only is he likely going to come at a cheaper price, but he is more willing to play off the ball while Haggerty has demanded significant minutes at the point guard spot, which will likely be reserved for incoming freshman Darius Acuff Jr.

Louisville & Illinois Linked To Watkins

Louisville and Illinois are also in pursuit. Louisville’s strong NIL backing and aggressive recruiting efforts make them a contender while Illinois offers a proven system under head coach Brad Underwood, known for developing players into future pros. However, neither program is believed to have the same level of NIL commitment as Arkansas or Kentucky.

Although Watkins has not ruled out returning to college, Arkansas remains the most likely destination should he choose to stay in the NCAA ranks. Calipari offers an immediate role, proven results, and an attractive financial package. While Kentucky continues to be a threat, the competition from other programs is not as strong at this stage.

Texas A&M Could Be Surprise Destination

Watkins would thrive in an uptempo offense and a trip to College Station might be just what the doctor ordered to elevate his NBA Draft stock.

The Aggies already signed former five-star recruit Mackenzie Mgbako and former Kansas big man Zach Clemence but there’s still a huge gap on the wing for a scorer of Watkins’ caliber. The Aggies have been linked to former Oklahoma Sooners guard Duke Miles but don’t rule out Texas A&M as a potential landing spot for at least one more high-profile signing.

Watkins would fit the bill and at a time when most programs don’t have a lot of NIL budget left over, Texas A&M may be best positioned to swoop in with a can’t-miss offer, similar to how USC made a late push for former Maryland guard Rodney Rice.

Texas A&M is losing all three of its double-digit scorers from a year ago and the Aggies are facing significant roster turnover after losing head coach Buzz Williams but adding a player like Watkins could be enough to propel the program back into SEC contention.

Can Kentucky Still Swoop In for Watkins?

The most probable answer is no.

Kentucky was thought to be a potential landing spot for Watkins but it doesn’t look like anything materialized. Instead, the Wildcats opted to sign reigning national champion and former Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen, who will likely slot into a starting spot on the wing.

With Kentucky’s basketball roster likely to already approaching $10 million, the Wildcats are likely to be out of the running for a high-profile transfer like Watkins, who could cost upwards of $3 million.