RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Feb 4, 2026; Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Duke Brennan (24) controls the ball against Seton Hall Pirates forward Najai Hines (25) in the first half at William B. Finneran Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Duke Brennan was a big part of Villanova last season as the Wildcats were able to return to the NCAA Tournament.
The big man is now looking for a home for the upcoming season in his fifth year. Brennan has narrowed his list to five teams and they all bring different fits.
Brennan averaged 12.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game last season. He proved to be a force down low at 6-foot-10 on both ends of the floor. Brennan has the experience and size needed for a team to compete.
It was reported that Brennan heard from eight teams and he initially cut out UConn, Georgetown, and Ole Miss.
These are the teams that would fit Brennan the best this season:
5. Villanova
There was a lot of change at Villanova this offseason and some of the players were easier to let go (a certain backcourt duo) than others. Brennan is one of those players that you wish you had another year with. To this point, the Wildcats replaced the frontcourt with the upgraded duo of Luigi Suigo and Kwame Evans Jr. As much as it hurts to say, Villanova feels like a respect throw in on Brennan’s final list. It feels like he would not come back to the Wildcats to be a backup, making his former team the worst fit here.
4. Oklahoma
Oklahoma added center Yaak Yaak this offseason. He played just two years in college basketball and averaged 6.6 points per game at Oregon State last year. He is slated to be the team’s starting center at this point. Brennan and his double-double ability would be a major upgrade for a team that needs to improve the frontcourt to compete in the SEC.
3. USC
USC made many big-time additions this offseason. The backcourt will be a new-look squad with KJ Lewis (Georgetown) and Jalen Cox (Colgate) coming over in the portal. This is needed depth for a Trojan team that struggled in this area a year ago. Down low, it was UConn’s Eric Reibe who transferred in. Reibe underwent offseason surgery on a foot injury and he will likely miss a majority of the season. This opens the door for a big like Brennan to come in and contribute right away.
2. Oregon
Oregon was one of the first teams to be linked to Brennan. And that is not surprising considering Villanova has already been linked to the Ducks with Evans Jr. coming over in the portal. This would be a chance for the big men to switch spots.
1. North Carolina
North Carolina. One of the true blue bloods in the nation. Michael Malone comes in as the new coach with plenty of NBA experience. Right now, the Tar Heels are very young. Malone added Terrence Brown along with multiple international players to the rotation while Jarin Stevenson is back as one of the lone veterans. Brennan would be a veteran right away and that is important in a loaded ACC. The Tar Heels have developed and pumped out big men many times over the years — and Brennan clearly wants to play at the next level. As far as the fit, Brennan could come in right away and provide Malone options with different big lineups.
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