The college basketball landscape is shifting once again. With the national champion crowned, the NCAA transfer portal is officially open for business, kicking off a critical 15-day window where players can explore new opportunities. For programs and fans across Indiana, it's time to track which homegrown talent is on the move, as several key players have already signaled their intent to enter the portal.
This annual period of player movement can dramatically reshape team rosters and conference hierarchies, making it a pivotal moment in the offseason. Here’s a look at the notable Division I players from Indiana who are making waves in the portal, a list that will be updated as more decisions are announced.
One of the most intriguing names to watch is Luke Almodovar. The 6-foot-3 guard, a 2023 Indiana All-Star from Noblesville, is coming off a standout season at Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) where he averaged 14.1 points and 3.7 rebounds, earning first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors. After beginning his career at NAIA Saint Francis, Almodovar has proven himself as a dynamic scorer with deep range, hitting four or more three-pointers in five games last season. His explosive playmaking has already generated buzz, with many expecting high-major programs to pursue his talents.
In a significant defensive pickup, 6-foot-5 guard Josiah Arnold has committed to Tennessee Tech of the Ohio Valley Conference. Arnold, a former Ben Davis star, brings a proven track record as a lockdown defender. He was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year at UIndy this past season, leading the league in steals. A full-time starter, he averaged 11.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.9 steals, and 2.9 assists, showcasing a versatile, high-motor game that will translate immediately to the Division I level.
Another player seeking a new challenge is Army sophomore Cooper Bell. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 12.2 points and 5.0 rebounds this past season, demonstrating significant growth after a freshman year limited to just three games. With two to three years of eligibility remaining, Bell enters the portal as an experienced guard looking for an expanded role and a new system to showcase his development.
Finally, all eyes are on the status of 6-foot-9 big man Flory Bidunga, the former defensive player of the year in Indiana high school basketball. His potential entry into the portal would mark one of the most impactful moves of the cycle, given his elite rim-protecting ability and rebounding prowess. A player of his caliber can instantly transform a team's interior defense and is always a coveted asset during this frenzied transfer period.