Indiana Basketball Lands Top Transfer Markus Burton to Bolster Backcourt
Indiana basketball has secured a major victory in the transfer portal with the commitment of Markus Burton. The 6-foot junior guard, a former Indiana Mr. Basketball and Notre Dame standout, joins the Hoosiers as a focal point for Darian DeVries’ backcourt for the 2026-27 season. Burton’s arrival is part of a significant roster overhaul that saw the program land three commitments on a single Monday, including Georgia Tech transfer Jaeden Mustaf and Duke transfer Darren Harris.
Who is Markus Burton?
Burton is a homegrown talent from Mishawaka, Indiana, and a graduate of Penn High School. After being named the 2023 IndyStar Mr. Basketball, he began his collegiate career at Notre Dame, where he established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in the ACC.
During his tenure with the Fighting Irish, Burton was a consistent offensive threat. He averaged 19.1 points and 3.8 assists per game over 69 career appearances. His sophomore season was particularly dominant; he led the ACC in scoring with 21.3 points per game and earned Second Team All-ACC honors. His career high of 43 points came during a quadruple overtime game against UC Berkeley in March 2025.
Impact on the Hoosiers’ 2026-27 Roster
Burton arrives at a critical time for Indiana. The program faced significant depletion this offseason, with six players entering the transfer portal and the departure of five senior players, including leading scorer Lamar Wilkerson. Until recently, freshman forward Trent Sisley was the only returning scholarship player.
By landing Burton, Coach Darian DeVries gains a “readymade backcourt focal point” who can create and score at all three levels. Burton’s experience is extensive; he started 68 of his 69 games at Notre Dame and never averaged fewer than 30 minutes per game in three years.
Key Takeaways: Markus Burton’s Profile
- Proven Scorer: Former ACC scoring leader (21.3 PPG in 2024-25).
- Versatility: Capable of scoring off the bounce or the catch, with a 37.5% three-point percentage as a sophomore.
- Experience: ACC Rookie of the Year and Third Team All-ACC as a freshman.
- Resilience: Returning from an ankle injury that limited him to 10 games in the 2025-26 season.
Projected 2026-27 Indiana Basketball Roster
| Player | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Markus Burton | Guard | Junior |
| Jaeden Mustaf | Guard | Junior |
| Darren Harris | Forward | Junior |
| Trent Sisley | Forward | Sophomore |
| Trevor Manhertz | Forward | Freshman |
| Prince Alexander-Moody | Guard | Freshman |
| Vaughn Karvala | Forward | Freshman |
FAQ: Markus Burton Transfer
Why did Markus Burton choose Indiana?
Burton, a native of Indiana and former Mr. Basketball, returned to his home state after visiting the program. He committed to Indiana over other options, including Houston.
What is Burton’s injury status?
Burton suffered an ankle injury on December 5 against Texas Christian University, which limited him to only 10 games during the 2025-26 season. However, prior to the injury, he was Notre Dame’s leading scorer with 19.9 points per game.
How is he ranked in the transfer portal?
According to 247 Sports, Burton is ranked as the No. 24 overall transfer in this class.
Looking Ahead
The commitment of Markus Burton transforms Indiana’s outlook for the upcoming season. By pairing a high-volume scorer and proven leader with other portal additions like Mustaf and Harris, Darian DeVries has quickly rebuilt a depleted roster into a competitive squad. Burton’s ability to create offense will be the cornerstone of the Hoosiers’ strategy as they enter the 2026-27 campaign.