The ACC underwent a seismic roster transformation heading into the 2025-26 season. Headlines went to stars like Khamil Pierre at NC State, Laura Ziegler at Louisville, and Ra Shaya Kyle anchoring Miami’s interior. But beneath those marquee moves lie players whose impact may quietly reshape rotations, elevate ceilings, or salvage seasons.

These players may not be the headliners of their new teams, but they possess the talent and experience to dramatically shift their squad's fortunes. Here are five of the most overlooked transfer portal pieces in the ACC for the 2025-26 season.

1. Mjracle Sheppard, California (LSU)

While most analysts fixated on Cal's predicted 12th-place finish, the Golden Bears made one of the conference's shrewdest portal moves by landing Sheppard from LSU. The versatile combo guard brings exactly what Cal desperately needed after graduating four starters: SEC-tested experience and the ability to create offense in multiple ways.

Sheppard's 5-foot-10 frame belies her impact potential. She's capable of generating over 30 points of offense through her own scoring and playmaking while defending multiple positions on the perimeter. For a Cal team relying heavily on Lulu Twidale's outside shooting, Sheppard provides the secondary ball-handling and shot creation that could prevent opposing defenses from keying exclusively on the Australian sharpshooter.

The real intrigue lies in how Charmin Smith deploys her alongside Sakima Walker, another SEC transfer from South Carolina. That combination of veteran presence and championship pedigree gives Cal something tangible to build around beyond Twidale's perimeter marksmanship.

2. Catherine Alben, Georgia Tech (Charleston Southern)

The 5-foot-7 senior guard quietly dominated the Big South Conference over her three seasons at Charleston Southern, where she started 60 of 88 games and averaged 13.4 points per game career-wide. In her final year, she led the team with 16.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per contest, shooting 42% from the field.

A two-time All-Big South selection, Alben earned Player of the Week honors multiple times, including three in conference play alone, showcasing her scoring prowess with 21.0 points per game against league opponents.

Why overlooked? Her mid-major background means she hasn't faced the same spotlight as power-conference transfers, but her quickness and scoring ability could thrive in Georgia Tech's system under new head coach Karen Blair. Expect her to provide perimeter scoring depth for a Yellow Jackets team looking to build on their NCAA Tournament appearance.

3. Laila Phelia, Syracuse (Texas)

Injuries have obscured what could be Syracuse's most impactful addition. Phelia managed just eight games last season at Texas due to a detached retina, but her Michigan résumé reveals what the Orange are getting when healthy: a two-way force capable of 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.

Syracuse's offense will naturally flow through Sophie Burrows, the team's leading returning scorer and a legitimate three-point threat. But Burrows can't shoulder the entire offensive burden alone. Phelia's Cincinnati-bred toughness and ability to handle both on-ball and off-ball responsibilities give Felisha Legette-Jack the secondary playmaker who can alleviate pressure when defenses lock in on Burrows.

The real value comes defensively. Phelia's combination of size, intelligence, and active hands allows Syracuse to deploy multiple defensive looks and switch more freely on the perimeter. In a conference featuring elite guard play from Hannah Hidalgo, Zoe Brooks, and others, having a second legitimate perimeter stopper could be the difference between competitive losses and upset victories.

4. Rachael Rose, Clemson (Wofford)

Talk about a low-key coup. Clemson landed a legitimate ACC Player of the Year dark horse candidate when Rose transferred from Wofford, yet she's generated minimal national buzz compared to splashier Power Four-to-Power Four moves.

Rose's résumé demands attention: Nancy Lieberman Award watchlist, SoCon scoring champion at 22.3 points per game, conference leader in assists, steals, and free throw percentage. She's an elite all-around offensive weapon who can run Shawn Poppie's fast-paced, three-point-heavy system while providing the veteran leadership a young roster desperately needs.

The injury that limited her availability last season has kept Rose off most preseason radars. Still, if healthy, she represents the kind of floor general who can singlehandedly elevate Clemson from basement dweller to bubble team. Her ability to create openings for cutters like Raven Thompson, while spacing the floor for drivers, changes the entire geometry of Clemson's offense.

5. Tyi Skinner, SMU (Arizona State)

Adia Barnes didn't just rebuild SMU's roster through the portal; she completely reconstructed it with 15 newcomers and zero returning players. Lost in that wholesale transformation is Skinner, a graduate guard who averaged 16.8 points, 2.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals last season at Arizona State.

SMU needed someone capable of handling primary ball-handling duties in Barnes's five-out system, and Skinner fits perfectly. Her experience running an offense, combined with her ability to score efficiently, gives the Mustangs a legitimate floor general for the first time since entering the ACC.

The challenge for any team bringing in an entirely new roster is establishing chemistry and offensive cohesion quickly. Skinner's basketball IQ and experience playing in high-level systems make her the ideal conductor for Barnes's up-tempo approach. While SMU faces long odds of making significant noise this season, Skinner represents the kind of stabilizing veteran presence that could accelerate the rebuilding timeline.