In a tough double-whammy for Michigan State basketball, the Spartans have missed out on another key frontcourt target. SMU transfer center Samet Yigitoglu has committed to Big Ten rival Indiana, a major recruiting victory for the Hoosiers.

This news comes on the same day that top transfer portal target Aiden Sherrell is also projected to choose Indiana. Losing both their top two center prospects to a conference foe is a significant setback for Tom Izzo's squad as they look to rebuild their interior presence.

Yigitoglu brings imposing size and proven production to Bloomington. The 7-foot-2, 265-pound Turkish big man averaged a solid 10.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks over his two seasons with the Mustangs, showcasing the kind of rim-protecting and rebounding skills that are at a premium in college basketball.

For the Spartans, the focus now shifts to other options on their big board. Finding a starting-caliber center for the 2026-27 season becomes an even more urgent priority in the wake of this development. The battle for talent in the transfer portal is heating up, and this move underscores the intense competition within the Big Ten.