In a move that has stunned the college basketball world, Olivia Miles, one of the most dynamic and promising young stars in women’s college basketball, has entered the transfer portal, leaving the University of Notre Dame. This decision has not only caught fans and analysts by surprise but has also sparked a flurry of speculation about her future.

Even more intriguing is the fact that, alongside her transfer announcement, Miles has not declared for the 2025 WNBA Draft, leaving open the possibility of her returning to college basketball in the near future. The combination of these two announcements has left many wondering what her next steps will be — and why she has chosen to leave one of the premier programs in the nation.

A Stellar Career at Notre Dame

Olivia Miles’ time at Notre Dame has been nothing short of exceptional. From the moment she stepped on campus, the point guard turned heads with her elite playmaking, vision, and ability to control the pace of a game. Known for her flashy assists and relentless drive, Miles quickly became the heart of the Fighting Irish offense.

In just two seasons at Notre Dame, Miles racked up numerous accolades, including being named to All-ACC teams and earning national recognition as one of the top young players in the country. Her ability to make her teammates better and create scoring opportunities — whether it was with her court vision or her ability to drive and finish at the rim — made her one of the most exciting players to watch in women’s college basketball.

Her sophomore season saw her averaging close to a double-double, with impressive stats in points, assists, and rebounds. Miles was also a tenacious defender, showing a willingness to do whatever it took to impact the game. As a result, she quickly became one of the most hyped prospects in the college game, and many expected her to make a splash at the professional level soon.

The Shock Announcement: Entering the Transfer Portal

News of Olivia Miles entering the transfer portal broke unexpectedly, leaving Notre Dame fans reeling and the college basketball community buzzing. While the transfer portal has become a regular part of the college sports landscape, seeing a player of Miles’ caliber choose to leave one of the sport’s elite programs is rare.

There has been no official explanation from Miles herself about her reasons for transferring, leaving fans and media outlets to speculate about what could have led to this decision. Was it a desire for a new challenge? A personal matter that necessitated a change of scenery? Or perhaps an opportunity to find a better fit with a different program as she looks to continue her college career?

The uncertainty surrounding her decision has led to intense discussions. The program she chooses to transfer to will likely play a pivotal role in her future as a player, but also in her potential to make an even bigger impact on the national stage. Wherever she lands, it’s clear that she will bring a wealth of talent and experience with her.

The BIG Twist: No WNBA Declaration

While the transfer news has already left fans in shock, the twist came when Olivia Miles confirmed that she would not be declaring for the 2025 WNBA Draft. This news further deepens the mystery surrounding her decision.

Many had expected Miles to take the next step in her career and declare for the draft, especially after the dominant seasons she had at Notre Dame. With her skills, leadership, and basketball IQ, she had been projected as a potential lottery pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft. However, in a move that has left many scratching their heads, Miles has opted to take a different route — at least for now.

This decision could mean several things. For one, it signals that Miles is focused on continuing her college career and may be looking to further develop her skills before making the jump to the professional level. Some analysts have suggested that Miles may be seeking to refine her game, whether that means improving her shooting consistency, defense, or other aspects of her play. Another theory is that Miles may want to position herself for a stronger draft stock in the following year.

The decision also raises questions about the timing of her next steps. With her potential to be one of the top picks in the 2026 WNBA Draft, waiting another year might be a calculated move for Miles. By staying in college, she has the chance to continue building her reputation, gain more experience, and potentially lead her new team to even greater heights.

What’s Next for Olivia Miles?

So, what’s next for Olivia Miles? The immediate future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear — her journey in college basketball is far from over.

Miles now enters a highly anticipated transfer process where the list of potential suitors will undoubtedly be long. Schools with strong programs and championship aspirations will likely be at the forefront of recruiting her, offering the chance to compete for titles while further developing her already impressive skill set.

Whether she decides to join another powerhouse program or look for a new opportunity to showcase her talents on a national stage, one thing is certain: Miles’ decision will have ripple effects throughout the college basketball landscape. Fans will be watching closely to see where she ends up, and how she’ll continue to evolve as a player.

In the meantime, Miles’ choice to forgo the WNBA Draft for another year will only add to the intrigue surrounding her future. Will she use this time to refine her game and enter the draft at an even higher level? Or is there something else driving her to delay her professional ambitions?

Whatever the case, the next chapter of Olivia Miles’ career is one that fans will be eager to follow. With her talent, work ethic, and competitive spirit, there’s no doubt that she will continue to be a major force in women’s basketball for years to come.