Every season, the Missouri Valley Conference proves that talent can come from anywhere—and this year is no different. As the transfer portal heats up, a new wave of non-Division-I players is set to make waves in the Valley. Here are three standouts to keep an eye on.

Noah Cleveland (Illinois State): A homegrown talent returning to Normal, Cleveland starred at Normal Community High School before becoming a Division-III All-American at Illinois Wesleyan. At 6-foot-8, his athleticism and skill set are tailor-made for the MVC. Cleveland's numbers at Wesleyan were eye-popping: he ranked in the 94th percentile for at-the-rim field goal percentage, 93rd percentile for block percentage, and 97th percentile for defensive rebound percentage. Pair him with Chase Walker in the paint, and opposing defenses will have a tough time helping off the weak side. If his game translates—and all signs point to yes—Cleveland could be a difference-maker for the Redbirds.

Jackson Cooper (Indiana State): Coming from the NAIA ranks, Cooper was a second-team All-American at Oregon Tech and led his team to the NAIA Tournament last season. His all-around game gives head coach Matthew Graves plenty of offensive options, while his rebounding prowess should immediately bolster Indiana State's frontcourt. Cooper's versatility makes him a prime candidate to be an instant impact player in the Valley.

The Drake Blueprint: Two years ago, Ben McCollum brought a group of Division-II players from Northwest Missouri State to Drake, and the results were stunning. Bennett Stirtz, Tavion Banks, Mitch Mascari, Daniel Abreu, and Isaiah Jackson all played key roles in a 31-win season. That success story isn't an outlier—it's a testament to the hidden gems waiting to shine in the Missouri Valley. As the portal continues to churn, expect more non-D-I stars to follow in their footsteps and make an immediate impact.