Rutgers Men's Basketball 2026 Official Transfer Portal Tracker
Apr 15 | Men's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - This is the official 2026 Transfer Portal Tracker for Rutgers men’s basketball. All confirmed incoming roster movement — including additions and returnees — will be updated here as news becomes official. Stay tuned for real-time updates as head coach Steve Pikiell and the Scarlet Knights reshape the roster for the 2026–27 season.
2026-27 Men's Basketball Roster
Guard: Tariq Francis, Jamichael Davis, Lino Mark
Forward:
Center: Gevonte Ware
Wednesday, April 15: Tariq Francis to Rutgers Men’s Basketball for 2026-27 Season
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – After a standout debut season in the Big Ten, Tariq Francis will return to Rutgers men’s basketball for the 2026-27 campaign, bringing back one of the conference’s most dynamic scorers and efficient offensive weapons.
Francis, who joined Rutgers from NJIT with two years of eligibility, made an immediate impact in 2025-26. The junior guard earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (media) honors after leading the Scarlet Knights with 17.0 points per game while adding 2.9 assists and shooting 41.9 percent from the field. He scored in double figures 24 times during the season.
“I love being a part of Rutgers, and I am fully committed to RU,” Francis said. “I love the coaching staff, I love the fans, and I love the players. I appreciate all the love the fans showed us all season. I hope next year we can get the job done and support you guys the way you support us.”
“Tariq had an outstanding first season in our program,” said head coach Steve Pikiell. “He’s a tough competitor who proved to the country that he is an elite scorer at the Big Ten level. We’re excited to have his leadership and experience back for his senior season.”
One of the most impressive aspects of Francis’ season came at the free throw line, where he put together one of the best performances in program history. Francis knocked down 164 free throws, surpassing Bob Lloyd’s 1965-66 total for fourth-most makes in a single season at Rutgers. He shot an outstanding 91.1 percent from the line, becoming just the fourth player in program history to finish a season above 90 percent.
Francis also etched his name into the Rutgers record book in overall scoring production. He totaled 578 points on the season, the 17th-most in program history, surpassing Dylan Harper’s output from the previous year and marking the highest single-season total by a Scarlet Knight since Quincy Douby’s program-record 839 points in 2005-06. In addition to his scoring, Francis contributed 99 assists, showcasing his ability to create for others.
A consistent and explosive offensive force, Francis delivered multiple signature performances throughout the year. He recorded a career-high 34 points, capped by a buzzer-beater in a win over Penn, earning Big Ten Player of the Week honors. He also posted three 30-point games, including a 30-point effort off the bench against Northwestern and another to lead Rutgers past Oregon, becoming the only Big Ten player since 1996-97 to record multiple 30-point games off the bench in the same season.
Among his many standout efforts, Francis scored 29 points to set Rutgers’ Big Ten Tournament single-game scoring record in a win over Minnesota. He added 28 points against Indiana, 26 off the bench versus USC, and 25 points with five assists, three steals, and zero turnovers at Michigan State, along with multiple 20-point performances in conference play.
Prior to Rutgers, Francis starred at NJIT, where he led the America East Conference with 19.2 points per game in 2024-25 while starting 26 of 27 games.
With a full year of Big Ten experience and a proven track record of production, Francis’ return provides Rutgers with a veteran leader and go-to option heading into 2026-27.
As Rutgers prepares for the upcoming season, Francis’ return solidifies the backcourt and gives the Scarlet Knights a proven scorer capable of leading the program in the Big Ten.
Monday, April 13: Lino Mark Returning to Rutgers for 2026-27 Season
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men’s basketball guard Lino Mark will return to the Scarlet Knights for his sophomore year for the 2026-27 season, bringing speed, playmaking ability, and late-season momentum back to the backcourt.
Mark, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound point guard, is known for his explosiveness, pace, and high basketball IQ. Returning his strong winning pedigree from the West Coast, Mark made significant strides throughout his 2025-26 freshman campaign and emerged as a key contributor down the stretch.
Mark closed the season playing his best basketball, recording eight double-figure scoring performances over the final 11 games. He capped the year with 14 points against Creighton in The Crown and added 17 points with five assists in the final game of the Big Ten Tournament against UCLA. He also scored 16 points in a win over Penn State and posted double figures in six of seven games during one late season stretch.
“I can’t wait to get back to playing in front of the best fans in the Nation at Jersey Mike’s Arena,” Mark said. “We traveled a lot of places last season, and there is nowhere like playing at Rutgers. I feel like I improved a lot in my freshman year and just felt like I have unfinished business right here.”
“Lino really grew as his freshman season went on,” said head coach Steve Pikiell. “His speed, playmaking, and confidence gave us a big spark, and we’re excited to have one of the most exciting Scarlet Knights returning next season.”
Mark averaged 5.9 points per game and shot nearly 40 percent from the field. He averaged 12.2 points per game in the final eight games of his first season in Scarlet.
Among his standout performances, Mark scored 14 points at Michigan State and earned his first career start against Maryland. He followed that with a then-career-high 16 points against Minnesota before topping it with 18 points to lead Rutgers in scoring for the second straight game against Washington.
Mark also contributed 12 points off the bench in a road win at Penn State and scored 10 points in front of his family in his hometown at UCLA. Earlier in the season, he recorded a career-high 13 points in a win over Oregon, added 10 points against Seton Hall, and totaled seven points with three steals and three assists versus Iowa.
Mark provided a consistent spark with his ability to push tempo, create offense, and impact the game on both ends of the floor. Mark’s return gives Rutgers added depth and experience at the point guard position heading into the 2026-27 season, as the Scarlet Knights bring back another developing playmaker who finished the year trending upward.
Saturday, April 11: Forward Gevonte Ware Returning to Rutgers for 2026-27 Season
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men’s basketball forward Gevonte Ware will return to the Scarlet Knights for the 2026-27 season, adding size, athleticism, and frontcourt versatility to the roster.
Ware, a 6-foot-9, 255-pound big man, is known for his dynamic skill set, physical presence, and explosive athleticism. A highly touted prospect with a reputation for a relentless work ethic. Ware did not see game action last season but spent his first year in Scarlet pushing the tempo in practice and traveling with the team.
“I’m excited to show the fans what I can do in game action this upcoming year,” Ware said. “I put a lot of work in throughout practices and will continue to do so this offseason.”
“Gevonte gives us great size, athleticism, and versatility in the frontcourt,” said head coach Steve Pikiell. “He’s a hard worker with a high ceiling, and we’re excited to have him back as he continues to develop in our program.”
Prior to arriving in Piscataway in 2025-26, Ware helped lead 1-of-1 to a 22-4 record and a No. 14 ranking in the state of North Carolina. He appeared in 18 games, averaging 10.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while totaling 174 boards. Ware shot 54 percent from the field, while also contributing 23 steals and 16 blocks, finishing in the top three across six different team offensive and defensive categories.
Ware earned consensus three-star status from ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports, while also being ranked No. 104 nationally by On3. He was listed 176th overall and the 39th-best center in the nation by 247Sports and was considered a top-10 player in North Carolina. Among his accolades, Ware earned MVP honors at the Larry Hughes Elite Camp and was named to the All-Defensive Team and Third All-Tournament Team on the PRO16 Memphis Circuit. He compiled 19 Division I offers before choosing Rutgers.
Ware’s return gives Rutgers additional size, depth and athleticism in the frontcourt as the Scarlet Knights continue building depth for the 2026-27 season.
Friday April 10: Captain Guard Jamichael Davis Returning to Rutgers for 2026-27
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Senior point guard Jamichael Davis, the most tenured Scarlet Knight and a leader on and off the court, will return to Rutgers for the 2026-27 season on Friday.
Davis, who was named team captain by head coach Steve Pikiell following a victory over Maine earlier this season will be a second-year captain, brings experience, toughness, and defensive intensity back to the Scarlet Knights’ backcourt.
Davis averaged 7.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game while shooting 40.2 percent from the field. He also shot a career-best 35.8 percent from three-point range and logged a career-high 26.2 minutes per game, which ranked among the team leaders. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound guard continued to impact the game with his relentless effort, playmaking ability, and lockdown defense.
“Jamichael is the heart of our team,” said head coach Steve Pikiell. “He’s a veteran leader who sets the tone with his defense, toughness, and unselfishness. We’re excited to welcome back a second-year captain and the most tenured Scarlet Knight.”
“Loyalty means everything to me,” Davis said. “To be a four-year player at Rutgers and a second-year captain in this day and age is unique, and I have unfinished business here in New Jersey.”
Davis closed the season strong, scoring 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting against Creighton at The Crown. He also added 11 points with a team-high four assists in a win over Penn State and recorded 12 points, six rebounds, and three steals off the bench in a victory over Maryland.
Among his other standout performances, Davis scored 15 points with a team-high five assists against Michigan State, added 12 points versus Wisconsin, and posted 10 points in a win over Northwestern. He also scored 13 points in a victory over Oregon and totaled 14 points with four rebounds and two assists in a win over Lehigh.
Earlier in the season, Davis recorded a career-high 21 points against Notre Dame and dished out a season-high six assists versus UNLV. He also collected a season-best four steals in a win over Delaware State, highlighting his defensive presence. Davis opened the year with 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting with three steals and later added eight points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the win over Maine — the game in which he was named team captain.
A four-year player who will graduate from Rutgers next year, Davis returns as the program’s veteran leader, providing stability, defense, and experience as the Scarlet Knights prepare for the 2026-27 season.
