Markus Burton’s junior season with Notre Dame was cut short by a broken left ankle sustained in December, ruling him out for the rest of the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season. Burton was off to a strong start before that fateful game against TCU.
The 6’0″ point guard underwent surgery to repair his broken ankle, leaving him on the sidelines. On April 4, he announced his intention to enter the transfer portal after playing 69 games for Notre Dame.
3 Schools to Watch With Markus Burton in the Transfer Portal
Burton’s announcement has shaken up the college-basketball landscape, as he’s an explosive point guard with at least one more year of college eligibility. (An additional year could be possible if he appeals for a medical redshirt and NCAA officials rule in his favor).
Here are three schools that could compete for the up-and-coming playmaker’s commitment.
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana is set for a complete overhaul of its 2026-27 men’s college basketball roster after 11 players have either exhausted their collegiate eligibility or entered the transfer portal. Only Trent Sisley has confirmed he will return for the Hoosiers next season, and three four-star freshmen will join him, namely Vaughn Karvala, Trevor Manhertz, and Prince-Alexander Moody.
While Andrej Acimovic has yet to announce his plans, Darian DeVries and his coaching staff are set to have their hands full securing commitments from additional players who could strengthen Indiana’s roster heading into the new season. Among the players they are pursuing is Burton, who could provide a significant boost next season with his scoring and playmaking.
His career averages of 19.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game suggest he can contribute on both offense and defense, but signing a primary scoring option like Burton in Indiana would show how serious the team is about making major strides next season.
Houston Cougars
Houston is set for a major overhaul as it bids to capture its first-ever national title. The team is set to lose starters Kingston Flemings, Chris Cenac Jr., Emanuel Sharp, and Milos Uzan. At the same time, Joseph Tugler, Chase McCarty, Mercy Miller, and Kordel Jefferson have confirmed their return for next season.
It is also worth noting that the Cougars have secured the commitments of transfer players Dedan Thomas Jr. (LSU) and Delrecco Gillespie (Kent State) during the portal period, strengthening Kelvin Sampson’s team for next season. Sampson could make it three with Burton, and the head coach has been successful with small-ball lineups.
Having Burton as Thomas’ backcourt partner creates an explosive guard duo capable of turning heads and breaking ankles.
Arkansas Razorbacks
This past season, Hall of Famer and national-champion coach John Calipari guided point guard Darius Acuff Jr. to superstardom. In his lone season with Arkansas, Acuff averaged 23.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game.
Giving the 6’3″ freshman the opportunity to lead the Razorbacks demonstrates how effectively Calipari manages a player, even in just one year of coaching.
Securing Burton’s commitment could be considered the least likely move for the Razorbacks. But with Calipari at the helm, everything is feasible, given the program’s resources to compete in the cutthroat SEC. Burton can contribute as a senior playmaker for Arkansas, setting up teammates and scoring in bunches next season.
