Indiana men's basketball has secured a commitment from SMU transfer center Samet Yigitoglu for the 2026-27 season. Yigitoglu, who hails from Istanbul, averaged 10.7 points and 7.9 rebounds during his time at SMU.
DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 21: SMU Mustangs center Samet Yigitoglu (#24) dunks the ball during the ACC college basketball game between the SMU Mustangs and the Boston College Eagles on February 21, 2026, at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Indiana men’s basketball landed its fourth commitment out of the transfer portal and first in the frontcourt on Tuesday afternoon when former SMU center Samet Yigitoglu pledged to join the Hoosiers for the 2026-27 season, per reporting from Jonathon Givony.
Yigitoglu has spent the first two seasons of his college career with the Mustangs, starting every single game he’s been available for, 66 out of 66. He’s originally from Istanbul in Turkey and spent time playing in Turkish league and representing the country in international competition.
Yigitoglu averaged 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 62.8% from the field in 28.9 minutes per game for SMU in 2025-26. His eFG% and TS% both increased against higher level competition while his block percentage of 5.5 boosted to 5.6% in ACC play, ranking 9th in the conference.
Standing at 7’2” and weighing in at 270 lbs, Yigitolu gives Indiana the kind of size and physicality it was sorely lacking last season as Darian DeVries prioritizes it in the portal.
Samet Yigitoglu averaged 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 62.8% from the field during his time at SMU.
Samet Yigitoglu will join Indiana men's basketball for the 2026-27 season.
Samet Yigitoglu is from Istanbul, Turkey, and has played in the Turkish league as well as represented Turkey in international competitions.
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