After two prolific years with the UC Irvine Anteaters, Kyle Evans is set to enter the transfer portal this offseason. The Anteaters forward led the nation in blocks during his senior year.
Evans had 115 blocks this season for the Anteaters, averaging 3.3 per game (well clear of Ugonna Onyenso in second place at 2.9 blocks per game). In addition, the UC Irvine big man averaged 12.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game this season while shooting 63.2% from the field.
UC Irvine Forward Kyle Evans Set to Enter the Transfer Portal
After spending two years with UC Irvine, Evans intends to enter the transfer portal and test the waters. According to Jeff Borzello of ESPN, the 6-foot-10 Anteaters forward could be on the move this summer.
“UC Irvine big man Kyle Evans, the nation’s leading shot-blocker, plans to enter the portal, sources told ESPN. Averaged 12.1 points and 8.7 rebounds to go with 3.3 blocks. First-team All-Big West and the league’s Defensive Player of the Year,” Borzello wrote on X.
UC Irvine big man Kyle Evans, the nation’s leading shot-blocker, plans to enter the portal, sources told ESPN. Averaged 12.1 points and 8.7 rebounds to go with 3.3 blocks. First-team All-Big West and the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 27, 2026
Evans began his collegiate career with Colorado State in 2022 and played 20 games for the Rams across two seasons. He then transferred to the Anteaters as a junior in 2024.
This year, he played 35 games and helped the Anteaters become the Big West Conference regular-season champions. In the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), Evans and UC Irvine suffered a first-round exit.
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For his performances this season, Evans was named the Big West Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named to the All-Big West first team for his efforts in helping establish UC Irvine as one of the best defensive teams in the country.
Interest in Evans is likely to be high, as his experience and defensive abilities make him an exciting option for teams seeking a big man. It will be interesting to see which team becomes the front-runner for his signature.
MORE: College Basketball 2026 Transfer Portal Tracker: Complete List of Players Who Are Available
Evans joins a host of talented players who have already entered the transfer portal ahead of the college basketball offseason. Some other players whose availability could reshape the rosters of possible contenders next year include Paulius Murauskas of St. Mary’s, Providence’s Stefan Vaaks, and Kwame Evans Jr. of Oregon.
The NCAA Division I transfer portal is set to officially open on April 7, one day after the 2025-26 season concludes with the national championship game. The 15-day window will close on April 21.
