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Acaden Lewis is entering the transfer portal. The Villanova guard earned All-Big East honors as a freshman but does not plan on a return to the Wildcats in 2026-27.
Instead, he’ll test the market while keeping his NBA options open. He reportedly rejected an NIL offer from Villanova, potentially sparking a bidding war.
Lewis will look for his third school in two years’ time should his NBA feedback fall short of expectation.
Who is Acaden Lewis?
The former four-star recruit was once viewed as the top prospect in Washington DC. He initially signed with Kentucky, enrolling at the university ahead of his rookie season.
Lewis chose the Wildcats over scholarship offers from Duke, UConn, and North Carolina. His stay in Lexington did not last long.
The guard signed with Kentucky in November of 2024. He asked to be released from that commitment in April to reopen his recruitment.
Lewis then signed with Villanova where he landed an immediate starting role.
After being benched in his college debut, he returned to the lineup to post notable numbers. As a freshman, he averaged 12.2 points and 5.3 assists per game.
That production earned second-team all-conference recognition. The Wildcats pushed to get him back for his sophomore campaign. He, instead, will move in a different direction.
The guard is in the transfer portal.
This year’s NBA Draft class is loaded with young talent, headlined by AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. CBS Sports did not include Acaden Lewis in the first round of its most recent mock selection last month.
That means he’ll likely make more money to return to college. That NIL income will not be paid by Villanova, though the program made an effort to keep him put.
Reports are that Villanova made a very competitive NIL offer to retain Lewis, but he has decided to (likely) move along anyway.
Given the hype that surrounded his initial recruitment, combined with his production as a freshman, top colleges should come calling with significant cash offers.
Lewis could very well go to the top bidder, though money may not be the only motivator in his transfer decision.
Multiple Villanova players from last year’s NCAA Tournament team have expressed intentions to leave, including fellow guard Bryce Lindsay.
The Wildcats will be without its starting backcourt moving into the offseason. Head coach Kevin Willard will now be forced to find replacements.
Villanova’s money did not talk to Acaden Lewis. He’ll likely be on his third team before starting his sophomore season.