Four Gonzaga Bulldogs Enter NCAA Transfer Portal Ahead of April 7 Deadline SPOKANE, Wash. — Four Gonzaga Bulldogs are set to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it officially opens on April 7, marking a significant shift in the program’s roster as the team prepares for the 2025-26 season. The departures include senior guard Steele Venters, junior guard Braeden Smith, junior forward Emmanuel Innocenti, and freshman guard Cade Orness, all of whom have announced their intent to seek new opportunities. The moves come as Gonzaga navigates roster adjustments amid a mix of graduation, transfers, and the addition of incoming freshmen. Steele Venters, a senior guard who transferred from Eastern Washington in 2023, is among the most high-profile departures. Venters appeared in 27 games this season, averaging 5.0 points per game while shooting 36.7% from beyond the arc. However, his season was marred by recurring injuries, including a torn ACL in the 2023-24 season and a torn Achilles in the 2024-25 season. After a partial return this year, Venters struggled to secure consistent playing time, logging just 15 minutes per game and sitting out the postseason. Despite his injury history, Venters is expected to pursue an additional year of eligibility through an NCAA medical waiver, positioning him as a potential target for teams seeking a veteran perimeter shooter. Braeden Smith, a junior guard who transferred from Colgate in 2022, is also entering the portal. Smith, a former Patriot League Player of the Year, appeared in 35 games this season but saw his role diminish as the year progressed. He averaged 5.1 points, 3.6 assists, and 17.1 minutes per game, all career lows, while shooting 46.7% from the field.#steele_venters #braeden_smith #emmanuel_innocenti #cade_orness #gonzaga_bulldogs
