Top transfers of NCAA Men's Tournament: Which players have biggest Sweet 16 impact? First-year transfers are making a significant impact in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Tournament as they push their teams toward the Sweet 16. With the rise of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, these transfers have become crucial assets for college programs, often bringing fresh talent and competitive edge. For some teams, reaching the Sweet 16 is a major achievement, while for others, like No. 1 seed Michigan, it marks a step closer to the Final Four. Here’s a look at the top first-year transfers shaping the Sweet 16 landscape. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan’s No. 1-ranked transfer from UAB, has been a standout in his first season. The first-team All-American earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors, averaging 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 51.5% from the field. His performance has been instrumental in Michigan’s success this season. Bennett Stirtz, a guard for Iowa, has had a remarkable college journey. Starting at Division II Northwest Missouri State, he transferred to Drake under coach Ben McCollum before joining Iowa. Stirtz has emerged as a potential 2026 NBA Draft lottery pick, averaging 19.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. His ability to score 30+ points three times this season highlights his growth. Pryce Sandfort, a 6-foot-7 sharpshooter for Nebraska, left Iowa after the Hawkeyes parted ways with coach Fran McCaffery. His move proved successful, as he averaged 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. His scoring ability has been a key factor in Nebraska’s tournament run. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who previously starred for Maryland in a Sweet 16 run, continues to excel for Tennessee.#ncaa_men_s_tournament #yaxel_lendeborg #pryce_sandfort #bennett_stirtz #sweet_16
Nebraska earns first NCAA tournament win with storybook ending OKLAHOMA CITY — With just over two minutes remaining in the game, Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg made a strategic move by substituting in junior forwards Pryce Sandfort and Berke Buyuktuncel, allowing them to soak in the moment as the Huskers secured their first-ever NCAA tournament victory. The No. 4 seed Nebraska team dominated No. 13 seed Troy with a 76-47 win, marking a historic milestone for the program after eight previous appearances in the Big Dance without a win. The crowd erupted in celebration, honoring the players who helped achieve the breakthrough, while the team’s bench emptied for a joyous embrace as they set a new single-season win record with 27 victories. The victory was a culmination of seven years of effort under Hoiberg, who faced three consecutive losing seasons from 2019 to 2022. After a 16-16 campaign in 2022-23, Nebraska rebounded with three straight seasons of at least 20 wins, including two NCAA tournament berths. This win solidified their place in tournament history, as they became the only major conference team without a prior tournament victory. The 29-point margin of victory also ranks among the largest in NCAA history for a team’s first-ever win, surpassing Fordham’s 31-point margin in 1971. Pryce Sandfort, the game’s leading scorer with 23 points, carried the Huskers with seven 3-pointers, including a career-high performance in the tournament. His 17 first-half points helped Nebraska overcome a slow start from Troy, as the team’s offensive rhythm took control. Sandfort’s efforts were highlighted by a surprise appearance from his brother, Payton Sandfort, who made his NBA debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder the night before.#nebraska #oklahoma_city #troy #fred_hoiberg #pryce_sandfort
