The Indiana Hoosiers have made a significant move to bolster their frontcourt, securing a commitment from SMU transfer center Samet Yigitoglu. This marks the program's fourth transfer portal addition this offseason and, crucially, its first big man.

Yigitoglu, a 7'2", 270-pound force from Istanbul, brings two seasons of proven starting experience to Bloomington. He was a rock for the Mustangs, starting all 66 games of his collegiate career. His final season at SMU was impressive, averaging a near double-double with 10.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 62.8% from the field.

Perhaps most encouraging for Hoosier fans is that his game elevated against tougher competition. His advanced shooting metrics and shot-blocking presence (ranking 9th in the ACC with a 5.6% block rate in conference play) improved against high-major opponents, suggesting he's ready for the nightly grind of the Big Ten.

For a team that often lacked interior size and physicality last season, Yigitoglu represents a perfect fit for Coach Darian DeVries's system. His commitment is a major step in reshaping the Hoosiers' identity in the paint for the 2026-27 campaign.