Michigan State vs. Syracuse: Samet Yigitoglu in Action

Samet Yigitoglu, a four-star center from Turkey, has emerged as a high-profile target in the men’s college basketball transfer portal. The former Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs player is currently being pursued by multiple programs, including South Carolina and Michigan State.

Yigitoglu served as the primary center for the Mustangs during the 2025-26 regular season. During that campaign, he averaged 10.8 points per game and 7.9 rebounds per game. He demonstrated efficiency in the paint, shooting 62.4% from the field.

Program Interest and Roster Needs

South Carolina has identified Yigitoglu as a transfer portal target, with recent analysis focusing on a film breakdown of the Turkish center’s performance.

Michigan State is also reportedly targeting Yigitoglu to bolster its frontcourt. This pursuit comes as the Spartans face significant roster turnover. According to a report dated April 12, 2026, Michigan State is losing the following players:

• Jaxon Kohler
• Trey Fort
• Carson Cooper
• Denham Wojcik

Player Profile and Performance

During his tenure at SMU, Yigitoglu established himself as a physical presence in the middle. Game highlights from matchups against several opponents illustrate his versatility and athleticism at the rim.

In a game against the Boston College Eagles, Yigitoglu recorded a beautiful jam and throws down the hammer. His performance against the Pittsburgh Panthers included a poster dunk and a massive swat at the rim.

Beyond his defensive and finishing capabilities, Yigitoglu also contributed to the Mustangs’ scoring through perimeter and mid-range play, as evidenced by highlights from a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.