Virginia adds Transfer Center Ugonna Onyenso

Virginia center position suddenly looks pretty stout.  News broke on Wednesday that Kansas State transfer center Ugonna Onyenso has signed with the Wahoos. The seven-footer from Nigeria played his first two years at Kentucky, then this past season for Kansas State.   A former top 40 ranked recruit out of high school, Onyenso has one year of remaining eligibility. 

Kansas State transfer Ugonna Onyenso has committed to Ryan Odom and Virginia.

Former 4-star prospect and Top 40 recruit. https://t.co/iKNW6qX5Eo pic.twitter.com/uqrSXVsyoV

— Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) April 30, 2025

About Ugonna Onyenso

UVA wanted a veteran center to go along with newly added German prospect Johann Grünloh  The signing of Onyenso checks that box.  His strength is on the defensive end, one of the best shot blockers in college basketball.  That helps balance out the roster, as Virginia’s other transfer recruits so far are more known for their offensive production than defensive abilities. Having a rim protector like Onyenso to back them up is important.  

Onyenso was a very prized transfer recruit a year ago, coming off a sophomore season at Kentucky during which he averaged an SEC-best 2.8 blocked shots despite only playing less than 19 minutes per game.  His role increased as that season went on, moving into the starting lineup by late January.  He showed great flashes at that time, posting a 13 point-16 rebound-8 block stat line against Florida, then blocking a career-high 10 shots two weeks later in a win over Ole Miss.  

This past season did not go well for Onyenso at Kansas State.  Jerome Tang’s bunch was one of the most disappointing teams in the country.  Onyenso’s role obviously wasn’t what he had in mind, only playing 11 minutes per game as part of a crowded frontcourt.  On the season, he averaged just 2.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks.  

Odom and staff are betting that in a more healthy environment and with a clear role, they’ll bring out that late sophomore season Kentucky version of Onyenso.  Or perhaps even better now that he’s matured.  He’s an extremely talented player who’s shown that he’s capable of providing elite value on the defense end.  

Yet another in what’s become a familiar pattern of transfer recruits quickly committing to Virginia following very quiet recruitments  This one had been done for a good week or so.  It just took a while to go public.  

Virginia’s Recruiting Going Forward

With the addition of Ugonna Onyenso, Virginia has 11 projected players for the 2025-26 season.  They’ll want to add at least two more. 

Odom still lacks depth at the power forward position.  And he'll want at least one more guard.   

Kansas transfer wing Rakease Passmore is still available after recently visiting.  His recruitment has gone quiet, with Tennessee mentioned as possibly another contender.  Odom is taking a swing at USC transfer guard Desmond Claude, one of the top scorers in the portal.  And there might still be a possibility with San Francisco transfer guard Malik Thomas.  He's in need of a wavier, which at this point he seems unlikely to be granted, but it takes time for that process to play out. 

UVA was one of the many teams to reach out to Florida Atlantic transfer forward Baba Miller.  And there's a report of involvement with another European prospect, combo forward Denis Badalau from Romania.

The Wrap

Ryan Odom and the new Virginia staff continue to restock the roster.  These short term additions like Onyenso and the other one-year transfer recruits are a necessity in order to be competitive next season.  It’ll be interesting to see how they fill the last few spots from here.  The goal is to balance out the roster, even the classes a bit so they won't need to do this all over next year. 

Stay tuned to Locker Room Access.  We’ll have the Virginia recruiting action covered all offseason every step of the way.  And take the time to learn about our partner Fan Fund, the credit card that gives back to your favorite student-athletes. 

(Featured Image Credit: Kansas State)