Former Michigan guard L.J. Cason has officially announced his transfer to Miami, as reported by CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein on Tuesday. Cason entered the transfer portal earlier this month following the unexpected departure of Dusty May, who left the Wolverines to coach the Dallas Mavericks after leading the team to the 2026 NCAA Tournament championship.

Cason, who suffered an ACL tear in February, confirmed he will sit out the 2026-27 season. Due to the NCAA's new 5-for-5 legislation, he would lose a season of eligibility regardless of whether he plays. May had previously indicated plans for Cason to begin practicing in November, gradually reintegrating him into the team.

Despite the extended transfer window after May's exit, Cason remains the only player from the national title roster to enter the portal. Notable returning players like Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney, along with key transfers such as J.P. Estrella and Moustapha Thiam, opted to stay at Michigan under new head coach Mike Boynton Jr..

Ranked as the No. 56 overall player in the 2026 College Basketball Transfer Portal Top Prospects, Cason averaged 8.4 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.9 rebounds across 28 games last season. He played 30 games in his freshman year, serving as a backup point guard in May's first season.

In his first year, the Jai Lucas era at Miami was a resounding success, with the Hurricanes winning 26 games and advancing in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Purdue in the second round. As Miami gears up for the upcoming season, they have strengthened their roster through the transfer portal and retained key players, setting the stage for a competitive run in the ACC.

Even if Cason does not play this season, his experience as a key contributor to a dominant college team will benefit Miami, positioning them for success in the future. Meanwhile, JT Toppin of Texas Tech, who also tore his ACL, is expected to return this season, adding intrigue to the transfer landscape.