A new rumor claims both Texas and Texas A&M are in a battle with 10 other programs for a high upside freshman in the transfer portal.
Roster construction in college sports is much different than it was a decade ago. Instead of building primarily through recruiting the best high school players in the country, a school can quickly turn its fortunes around or draft a title contender through free agency, the amateur ranks version of the transfer portal.
With the 2026 NCAA Tournament officially in the rearview, the college basketball world will now shift its attention to the portal, where a few thousand players will be vying for the highest name, image and likeness bidders.
One player who is drawing a lot of interest from across the country is Providence forward Jamier Jones.
Texas and Texas A&M are among a dozen teams pursuing Jamier Jones
As college basketball insider Adam Zagoria reports, "The schools that have contacted Providence transfer Jamier Jones, who averaged 11.9 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game as one of the Big East's best freshmen, include: Texas, Texas A&M, FSU, St. John's, Oklahoma State, LSU, USC, Georgetown, Oregon, West Virginia, Miami and Missouri."
The Florida native made 19 starts in his first season for the Friars. Along with his 11.9 points and 4.5 boards a night, he shot an impressive 57% from the field and 38.7% from three. Jones is an elite athlete who has shown strong offensive skills around the basket. His athleticism and size also help him become a versatile defender who can face strong powerhouses or quick wingmen.
