What happened: The 5-foot-10, 170-pound guard averaged 11.1 points, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals last season. His eligibility hinges on a North Carolina lawsuit challenging NCAA fifth-year rules for players who completed four seasons by spring 2026.
Why it matters: Shaka Smart gains an experienced ballhandler and career 38.4% three-point shooter for the 2026-27 backcourt. The litigation will determine whether Porter can use the additional season.
By the numbers: Porter totaled 1,209 points and 520 assists at Liberty, ranking 27th and sixth in program history, respectively. He led Conference USA with a 2.7 assist-to-turnover ratio in 2025-26.
What to watch: The next court ruling and the NCAA’s response will shape Porter’s availability for the 2026-27 season.