After an unlikely run to the Elite 8, the University of Texas looks to be investing in coach Sean Miller’s project. The Horns have signed two strong players from the NCAA transfer portal and now have the No. 2 portal class in the nation, according to 247Sports. Now, USA TODAY Sports has singled out the Longhorns in Transfer Portal Winners and Losers.
Another week remains for players to enter the portal until Tuesday, April 21. Even when the portal closes, teams will be able to make additions to the roster ahead of next season.
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Texas, like other teams, will learn from the 2025-26 Michigan Wolverines, who won the national title by building through the transfer portal.
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Transfers added: PF David Punch (14.1 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game, 2.0 assists per game at TCU); PG Isaiah Johnson (16.9 ppg, 3.0 aspg at Colorado)
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Key transfers lost: F Cam Heide (5.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg); G Simeon Wilcher (5.6 ppg)
Texas has secured the commitment from Colorado Buffaloes point guard Isaiah Johnson. Coming off an impressive freshman year, where he averaged 16.9 points per game, Johnson is known as a prolific finisher at the basket. The Valley Village, CA native is also a solid three-point threat, shooting 37.8% on 4.6 threes per game. He is considered to be a strong replacement for fellow lefty guard Tramon Mark,.
The Horns have also signed TCU Horned Frogs power forward David Punch. The 6-foot-7 sophomore started every game this season and averaged 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Punch had a strong postseason. The Killeen, Texas native averaged 25 points on 58.6% shooting, 8.5 rebounds and three blocks in two Big 12 Tournament games. He also had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds in TCU’s 66-64 win over No. 8 seed Ohio State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
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USA TODAY Sports thinks the additions are a big win for Miller.
“Sean Miller’s first season leading Texas basketball featured a ton of ups and downs. The Longhorns did reach the Sweet 16 and so far have a chance to build on that with a strong transfer portal haul. Puch was USA TODAY’s No. 5-ranked player available, while Johnson was in the top 20.” – USA TODAY’s Ehsan Kassim.
Miller has hinted Texas isn’t done yet. We’ll see what else the transfer portal has in store for Texas.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas basketball a big transfer portal winner according to USA TODAY
