Jamir Watkins Transfer Portal: Arkansas and Kentucky Could Enter Bidding War For FSU Guard

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 Louisville and Kentucky are also interested in the former Florida State guard while Illinois has all but withdrawn from the race.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.

Kentucky Can’t Be Ruled Out For Watkins

Kentucky is reportedly willing to spend as much as $20 million to outfit its basketball roster heading into next season. That puts the Wildcats in contention for some of the top remaining players in the college basketball transfer portal and Watkins is at the top of the list.

The Wildcats opted to sign reigning national champion and former Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen, who has been comfortable in a sixth man-type role, so it’s not out of the question to bring in a bonafide scorer like Watkins. Kentucky recently pulled out of the running for another high-profile wing in Desmond Claude, so it seems like Mark Pope has his eyes on another potential target. Boogie Fland has been linked to Kentucky as well but Watkins would be a much better fit.

While Kentucky already has 13 players on scholarship, the impending House settlement could open up additional roster spots in Lexington and the Wildcats would likely use their resources to attract at least one, if not two more high-profile scholarship players.

Louisville Linked To Watkins

Louisville and Illinois are were also linked to Watkins, per FieldOf68’s Jeff Goodman. Brad Underwood eventually landed Andrej Stojakovic, which will likely take the Fighting Illini out of the running for another high-priced wing. That leaves Louisville as potential destination but it remains to be seen whether anything has truly materialized.

Head coach Pat Kelsey is trying to put together a roster that can compete for a national title and a player of Watkins’ caliber would certainly help move the needle. Louisville needs a lengthy forward who can help space out the floor, especially after the departure of James Scott, but I’m not sure that the Cardinals are willing to get into a bidding war with some of the NIL juggernauts on this list.

The Cardinal have also reached out to former Miami forward Paul Djobet and would likely land him at a much cheaper price tag.

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.