Villanova Transfers: Malachi Palmer Returns to the Big Ten

Villanova guard Malachi Palmer made his departure from the Main Line official on Sunday, May 3, announcing his commitment to Minnesota in an Instagram story.

A rising junior, Palmer stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 212 pounds. He spent the first season of his college career at Maryland under head coach Kevin Willard, then followed Willard to the Wildcats last offseason. Palmer is capable of playing any position from the two through the four — fitting best on the wing — and averaged 18.3 minutes, 4.6 points and 1.7 rebounds per game for Villanova last season as a versatile reserve. After starter Matt Hodge went down with a season-ending ACL tear on the eve of the postseason, Palmer entered the Wildcats’ starting five.

With the Wildcats looking to add size and shooters via the transfer portal this offseason, they face a developing logjam on the wing. For a player like Palmer, in line for an expanded role after his strong performance last season, a change of scenery therefore makes sense for both parties.

Villanova still has six open roster spots heading into the 2026-27 campaign: they need to add a center and a backup point guard, with the rest of the spots likely to fill out with reserves.