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Transfer Portal Opens: Top SEC storylines to watch

Apr 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

By Chris Marler

It’s portal season again and like my mammaw’s Virginia Slims, some things just can’t be quit. Here are the top story lines for the portal as it opens on day one. 

What kind of splash will coach Will Wade make

LSU did not create a media circus filled with constant negative backlash for rehiring Will Wade just to play a wait-and-see game. LSU will be very active in the transfer portal and it appears they’ll do so with deep pockets and an open checkbook. 

Wade was asked at his introductory presser if the rumors of having a $12 million budget to spend in the portal were true. His response to that was that it wasn’t necessarily true. 

Not because they weren’t willing to spend $12 million for a roster but more so because they are going to spend what it takes to have a winning roster. Whether that’s north or south of the $12 million mark isn’t’ the concern. The total will be what the total will be, and it appears that Wade will spend whatever it takes for his team to win right away. 

Denzel Aberdeen jumps in

One of the best guards in the SEC over the last three seasons is once again in the portal.

Denzel Aberdeen began his career at Florida before transferring to Kentucky a season ago. Last year, he was the second leading scorer for the Wildcats, averaging 13.5 ppg and over 30 minutes a night. 

What makes the Aberdeen case so interesting is that it will basically be basketball’s version of Trinidad Chambliss. Aberdeen has already used his four years of eligibility. He’s hoping his first year, however, will be nullified and he’ll be granted a waiver. 

He only played in 12 games for a total of 41 minutes in his freshman season. He will be applying for a waiver and extra year of eligibility. 

What will Alabama do

Few teams have done a better job at utilizing the portal and elite high school recruiting than Alabama has under Nate Oats. 

This offseason is imperative because it could be the single biggest year of change they’ve seen under him. That shouldn’t necessarily be a huge concern, especially considering we just watched Michigan become the first team ever to win a national championship while starting five former transfers. 

Alabama still has a lot of question marks leaving this season and heading into the next. 

The biggest question mark is which starters will be back? Sophomore guard Labaron Philon is leaving for the NBA, Latrell Wrightsell is out of eligibility, as is Houston Mallette. They will also lose starting Center Aiden Sherrell to the portal and key bench player Taylor Bol Bowen to the portal. That leaves the Tide with only two returning starters as of now, and one of those may be in jail for a long period of time thanks to Aden Holloway’s arrest for having over two pounds of marijuana back in March. 

Best graphic headline

South Carolina 7-footer Christ Essandoko announced on Monday that he planned to enter the portal. 

He was not an impact player for the Gamecocks, averaging only 2.4 ppg and less than seven minutes per contest in only seven games this year. Still, seeing someone named Christ enter the portal a day after Easter is objectively hilarious. 

Will any of the women’s teams go after Audi Crooks

The women’s portal is open as well, and as many learned last year it can be just as crucial in winning a national title or gathering elite players. LSU made arguably the biggest splash last year, getting MiLaysia Fulwiley from South Carolina. This year the biggest name in the portal is Audi Crooks.

Crooks was one of the 1,100 women’s players that entered the portal on day one. She’s a three year starter and one of the best bigs in the game. Standing at 6-foot-3 and with almost 100 career games played, she has been one of the premiere players in the country. Last season, she averaged 25.8 ppg and 7.7 rebounds per game. 

She will most likely be the most sought after player in the country and has already had her name linked to teams like Oklahoma, LSU and South Carolina. 

Chris Marler

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