Michigan Still in Heavy Pursuit For One of Top Transfers in College Basketball

The Wolverines remain in a battle to land the No. 5 player in the portal

Feb 14, 2026; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Juke Harris (2) brings the ball up court during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

One week ago, it looked to be Michigan, Tennessee and North Carolina battling it out to land college basketball's No. 5 player out of the transfer portal in Wake Forest forward Juke Harris.

Now, it looks like the Tar Heels could be out of the running as On3's Pete Nakos reported it's "unlikely" North Carolina will add Harris based on having a likely cutoff date for a decision and not wanting to miss out on a couple other targets.

Juke Harris recruitment: Where Michigan, North Carolina & Tennessee stand as the portal closes👀

(via @PeteNakos)

Intel: https://t.co/lcC8glqYbn pic.twitter.com/4Ky6AEGVo7

— On3 (@On3) April 21, 2026

Nakos reported sources told On3 Harris has not informed any schools of a timeline for a decision as he continues to go through the NBA Draft process.

With the Tar Heels likely out, that leaves the Wolverines and Volunteers as the top schools in the running to land the ACC's Most Improved Player in 2025-26.

Nakos reported that sources have told On3 Harris remains a target for the Wolverines , with one source mentioning that it feels like Michigan is still bidding to land him. Nakos also confirmed Harris and head coach Dusty May were in Los Angeles at the same time last week, but was unable to confirm that the two met in LA despite it being highly speculated.

As far as Tennessee goes, Nakos reported Harris and the Volunteers continue to communicate. The Volunteers recruited Harris out of high school, so there is some familiarity that exists between the Tennessee staff and the Wake transfer.

Nakos pointed out that Tennessee has mostly constructed its roster for next season at this point, making it easier for them to stay locked in on Harris before he's ready to make a final decision on his future.

Harris' NIL price, according to Nakos' report, continues to be upwards of $3 million, but that number could rise the longer this plays out.

Harris at Wake Forest

Harris, a sophomore, has spent two seasons at Wake Forest.

As a freshman in 2024-25.he averaged 19 minutes per game, scoring 6.1 points per contest with 2.8 rebounds per game.

This past season, Harris saw a big jump in both minutes and production, playing 35 minutes per game and averaging 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

 Harris was named the ACC's Most Improved Player last month after his scoring increase from last season was the highest of any Division I player. The Salisbury, N.C. native was also a second-team All-ACC selection.

Mar 11, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Juke Harris (2) with the ball as Clemson Tigers guard Efrem Johnson (4) defends in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Michigan will return a strong backcourt next year with point guard Elliot Cadeau and shooting guard Trey McKenney.

Harris would be a strong addition as a prolifc scorer who can score in numerous ways and impact games on the defensive end of the floor as well.