Aaron Nagao had a breakout redshirt freshman year, placing fifth at the 2023 NCAA Championships for the University of Minnesota at 133 pounds. However, just over three weeks later, Nagao surprisingly entered the transfer portal with three years of eligibility remaining. With questions swirling around NIL and where Nagao would land next, the All-American went on the Baschamania podcast Sunday, April 9 to provide some answers. 

Why Did Aaron Nagao Enter The Transfer Portal?

To start, Aaron Nagao made it clear that entering the portal wasn’t about NIL money but was more about “following his heart” and accomplishing his goals than leaving Minnesota. In fact, Nagao still said there is a chance he may stay in Minneapolis holding the people around the program in high regard saying, “I love the coaches and teammates (at Minnesota) and nothing has changed (since entering the portal).” 

The decision to enter the transfer portal all came down to Nagao’s goals - and they’re big. “I want to be a 3-time national champion, I want to win the Olympics, and win worlds.” After doing some “soul searching” Nagao felt he needed to enter the transfer portal to ensure he was putting himself in the best position to achieve his goals. He said, “I knew if I didn’t open the portal up, I would live with some form of regret not knowing what else is out there.” 

Aaron Nagao’s Top 4 School List

Along with Minnesota still being on the table, Nagao shared that Cornell, Iowa, and Penn State round out his college choices for next season. So where would Nagao fit best if he chose to leave Minnesota? 

Penn State seems like the natural fit with two-time NCAA champion Roman Bravo-Young graduating. However, Nagao could also be an upgrade for the Hawkeyes at 133. Brody Teske started for Iowa last season and while he is a three-time NCAA qualifier, he has never earned All-American honors and went only 1-2 at the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Cornell could return 133-pound 2023 NCAA Champion Vito Arujau next season which might make it challenging to fit both him and Nagao in the lineup. However if Vito doesn’t return, or if one of them bumps up or down in weight, they could make things work in Ithaca.

When Will Aaron Nagao Make His Decision?

While he didn’t give specifics, Nagao shared that he’ll likely make his decision by the end of the month (April). This will likely give him enough time to visit the above programs and weigh his options moving forward. Wherever Nagao lands, he’ll be a valuable asset at 133 pounds next season. Along with scoring 14 points at the 2023 NCAA tournament, Nagao is currently ranked #3 in our “Way Too Early” NCAA rankings and will be the main contender to take out the likes of Vito Arujau and Daton Fix next season.

Aaron Nagao after finishing 5th at the 2023 NCAA Tournament: 

Check out everyone in the transfer portal here.

You can listen to/watch the full Baschamania podcast here.