Indiana lands former SMU big man Samet Yigitoglu out of NCAA Transfer Portal, adding a towering interior presence to a roster already undergoing a rapid transformation under head coach Darian DeVries. The 7-foot-1 center, a native of Turkey, committed to the Hoosiers after emerging as one of the most coveted frontcourt targets in a transfer cycle characterized by a surprising scarcity of impact big men.
Yigitoglu joins Bloomington following two productive seasons with the SMU Mustangs, where he developed into a highly efficient rim protector and interior scorer. His commitment represents a strategic victory for Indiana, which beat out several high-major programs—including Gonzaga, Louisville, Washington, Texas Tech and South Carolina—to secure the Turkish national’s services.
The move signals a clear intent from the Indiana coaching staff to solidify the paint. In a portal landscape where versatile wings are plentiful but true size is rare, Yigitoglu provides a physical anchor that fits the defensive and offensive blueprints DeVries is implementing as he enters his second year with the program.
A trajectory of efficiency at SMU
Yigitoglu’s ascent at SMU was marked by a steady climb in both responsibility and production. During his most recent campaign, he established himself as one of the most improved players in the ACC, averaging 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while playing 28 minutes per contest. His efficiency was particularly noteworthy, shooting 63% from the field.
This growth followed a promising freshman season in which Yigitoglu started 32 of the Mustangs’ 35 games. During that debut year, he averaged 10 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, shooting 53% from the floor—a mark that ranks among the highest ever recorded for an SMU first-year player. His ability to maintain high field-goal percentages while increasing his rebounding and shot-blocking volume made him a priority target for programs seeking a traditional center.
Currently ranked as the No. 37 overall transfer and the No. 7 center in the current portal cycle, Yigitoglu brings a combination of size and fundamental post-work that is expected to alleviate pressure on Indiana’s existing frontcourt.
Building a powerhouse: The DeVries portal strategy
The addition of Yigitoglu is the latest piece of a broader, aggressive recruiting strategy that has seen Indiana climb to the top of the transfer portal rankings. The Hoosiers currently boast the No. 1 ranked class, a haul defined by a mix of high-ceiling scoring and depth.
The center is joined by three other significant commitments, including three four-star prospects. The group is headlined by Markus Burton, a transfer from Notre Dame and a former ACC Rookie of the Year. Burton is recognized as one of the premier scoring lead guards in the country, having averaged over 21 points per game as a sophomore. Despite missing significant time due to knee and ankle injuries over the last two seasons, Burton’s offensive gravity is expected to create more space for Yigitoglu in the post.
Rounding out the fresh arrivals are Jaeden Mustaf and Darren Harris. Mustaf, arriving from Georgia Tech, brings perimeter versatility with a 39% success rate from behind the arc last season. Harris, a Duke transfer, provides depth at the guard position after appearing in 36 games for the Blue Devils during the 2025-26 season.
Indiana’s Key Transfer Additions
| Player | Previous School | Primary Role | Key Stat/Attribute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samet Yigitoglu | SMU | Center | 63% FG (Last Season) |
| Markus Burton | Notre Dame | Lead Guard | Former ACC Rookie of the Year |
| Jaeden Mustaf | Georgia Tech | Guard | 39% 3PT Shooting |
| Darren Harris | Duke | Guard | Depth/Reserve Experience |
What In other words for the Hoosiers’ roster
For Indiana, the acquisition of Yigitoglu is less about filling a gap and more about establishing a ceiling. By pairing a 7-foot-1 rim protector with an elite scoring guard like Burton and a spacer like Mustaf, DeVries is constructing a modern, balanced lineup capable of competing with the physical giants of the Big Ten.
The timeline of these acquisitions suggests a focused effort to maximize the roster before the start of the next season. By prioritizing “impact bigs” early in the window, Indiana has avoided the desperation bidding wars that often occur late in the portal cycle. The result is a balanced roster that addresses every primary position: a primary playmaker, perimeter shooting, and a defensive anchor.
The integration of Yigitoglu will be a focal point of the upcoming preseason. While his statistical production at SMU was impressive, his ability to adapt to the speed of the Big Ten and the specific defensive rotations demanded by DeVries will determine how quickly he becomes a cornerstone of the starting five.
The next official checkpoint for the program will be the formal announcement of the final roster and the release of the official training camp schedule, where the chemistry between the new transfers and the returning veterans will first be tested.
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