Darian DeVries knew exactly where Indiana had to get better this offseason, and he attacked the problem in the frontcourt. The Hoosiers brought in Alabama’s 6'11" Aiden Sherrell and SMU’s 7'2" Samet Yigitoglu, a pairing that could give Indiana one of the Big Ten’s better big-man tandems if it all clicks.
Sherrell brings movement and versatility on both ends. Yigitoglu is the true center Indiana was missing a year ago, the kind of anchor the Hoosiers badly needed in the paint.
He arrived as one of the portal’s most sought-after big men, and the expectation is that he can help right away in Bloomington. For Indiana, his ability to handle Big Ten size and physical play may end up shaping the 2026-27 outlook more than almost anything else in the frontcourt.
Yigitoglu doesn’t sound intimidated by what’s coming. He said during Indiana’s media day on Tuesday, "The Big Ten is a big dudes league," said Yigitoglu during Indiana's media day on Tuesday.
"This is a tough league. That's what I'm here for.
I want that."
He doubled down on that idea when asked about being the tallest player in the program, saying, “That’s what I’m here for. I love that.”
His production at SMU suggests Indiana has a real answer in the middle. In 29 games last season, Yigitoglu averaged 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 62.8% from the floor. Those numbers matter because the Hoosiers were hammered on the glass last season, finishing 13th in the Big Ten with 32.4 total rebounds per game and last in the league with 8.2 offensive rebounds per game.
That’s where Yigitoglu becomes so important. He averaged 3.6 offensive rebounds per game for SMU and ranked 6th in the ACC in rebounds per game at 7.9. Indiana needs that kind of presence against Big Ten front lines all season long.
The shot-blocking piece is just as important. The Hoosiers averaged only 2.7 blocks per game last season, which left them 13th in the Big Ten.
Yigitoglu blocked 1.3 shots per game at SMU and gave the Mustangs a reliable rim protector. Even when he isn’t rejecting shots, his size and length force opponents to adjust in the lane.
If that carries over in Bloomington, Indiana’s defense in the paint should look a lot different.
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Indiana Just Landed The Kind Of Recruit That Changes Everything
Monshun Sales has given Indiana football a rare kind of recruiting win, the sort that resonates far beyond one signing day. The five-star wide receiver from Indianapolis committed to the Hoosiers, becoming the highest-rated football recruit in program history, and he chose Indiana over several major programs after building a strong connection with Curt Cignetti and the staff.
For a program trying to keep climbing, Sales brings more than local star power. His size, athleticism and ceiling give Indiana an impact offensive weapon, while his decision also sends a message on the recruiting trail that the Hoosiers can now compete for elite talent in a way that once felt out of reach. The next question is how far this kind of addition can shift the program's trajectory once he gets on campus. [Read more 🡒]
IU Students Now Face A Weekend Dining Tradeoff
Indiana University has adjusted its weekend dining schedule, trimming hours at Forest, McNutt and Wright by closing those halls from 2-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays while leaving weekday service unchanged. The change came after student feedback and staff needs were factored in, with the university saying the pause gives dining teams time to clean, reset and prepare for the next meal period.
Students may notice the tradeoff most during the middle of the weekend day, when the gap can make meal planning a little less convenient. At the same time, IU is trying to soften the impact by adding a weekend brunch and expanding the Sunday dinner menu, a tweak that staff say should help improve service quality and ease workload even as some students adjust to the new routine. [Read more 🡒]
Indianas D-Line Momentum Starts With One Reunion Fans Never Saw Coming
The early surge from Indianas defensive line has been about more than just effort in drills. It has also been about familiarity, as Tobi Osunsanmi arrived after transferring from Kansas State and found himself back alongside Chiddi Obiazor, a former teammate he did not expect to see in Bloomington. Osunsanmi has pointed to the groups chemistry and the way practice has been pushing everyone as key reasons the front has looked so lively so far.
Obiazor is not in the starting lineup, but his presence has still mattered, giving Osunsanmi a steady veteran voice as he settles into his new role. The Hoosiers are carrying that momentum into an upcoming game against Rutgers, where the emphasis will again be on playing physical and making quick decisions up front. For a line trying to keep building on its early edge, the reunion has become a useful part of the story even if it was never the headline. [Read more 🡒]