Kansas and Illinois have a big scoring void to fill after top 2025-26 scorers Darryn Peterson and Keaton Wagler left for the NBA in June. However, a fantastic replacement option just fell into their laps this week.
This past season in college basketball was a big year for talented freshmen. Duke's Cameron Boozer , North Carolina's Caleb Wilson , Arkansas ' Darius Acuff Jr. , Peterson, and Wagler were there team's top players during their debut season, and all of them ended up being NBA Draft lottery picks this spring.
All of those programs looked to fill the numbers gap from their exits with new recruits and players in the transfer portal during the offseason. However, in the new age of NIL and extended eligibility, impact players can become available even in the late summer. And one that Kansas and Illinois should target just hit the transfer market.
Dec 2, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Sacramento State Hornets guard Prophet Johnson (16) drives to the basket against Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr (43) during the first half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Sacramento State senior Prophet Johnson was officially awarded another year of eligibility this week. He will now hit the transfer portal and is available to the highest bidder.
Johnson had a breakout season with the Hornets last season. It was his third different program in as many years, but the change was good, as he posted 18.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.6 steals a night.
Johnson could be a difference-maker on both sides of the court for Kansas and Illinois. However, it is on the offensive side that he can be a fantastic addition. He can be their top scorer next season and also brings a three-point threat after taking a big leap forward in that part of his game by shooting 39% from behind the arc last season.
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