The Arkansas Razorbacks scored yet another reclassification of a 2027 recruit into the 2026 class, just days after Link Academy point guard Davion Thompson joined John Calipari's cause ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, the Florida Gators came up on the wrong end of a recruiting battle for Michigan Wolverines transfer guard LJ Cason, who joined the Miami Hurricanes instead.
Here were the lastest hoops headlines around the "It Just Means More" conference on Tuesday:
Caleb Ourigou reclassifies to Arkansas' 2026 class
Per On3's Joe Tipton, "Caleb Ourigou has reclassified into the 2026 class to play for the Razorbacks this season, he told Rivals. The 6-10 center was a top-30 overall recruit in the 2027 class." Calipari is getting serious buy-in from players who are clearly sold on maximizing their earning potential and succeeding in what'd be their high school senior years. Obviously, at this level, players are also thinking about their NBA futures.
Calipari has produced four pros in two seasons at the helm of the Hogs. So far, so good. Why wouldn't more players try their hands in Fayetteville after two Sweet 16 finishes in Calipari's first two years in Arkansas.
247Sports recruiting analyst Dushawn London's take on Ourigou is exciting for Hog Nation to say the least. Per London, "He's been one of the best bigs on the EYBL circuit and is a complete force in the paint. He has a strong motor, an aggressive rebounder and will finish strong around the rim. Already one of the top stock rises I can see him taking another jump."
LJ Cason chooses Miami over Florida after Michigan transfer
In the wake of Dusty May's departure to the Dallas Mavericks, Michigan mostly kept its roster in tact. Cason was the only Wolverine to hit the portal. On Tuesday, he committed to The U in his home state of Florida, choosing the Canes over the Gators.
Cason won't be helping Jai Lucas's team during the 2026-27 season after tearing his ACL in February. The Lakeland native is a long-term play in Coral Gables.
Michigan head coach Mike Boynton shared disappointment in not getting to coach Cason, but he shared appreciation for what Cason brought to the 2025-26 national championship team and Ann Arbor.
"As disappointed as I am that I won't be able to coach him, I wanted him to be able to make that choice for himself," Boynton Jr. said, via "Defend the Block" with Brian Boesch. "That kid has given this program a lot. He's a champion. He'll forever be a champion. He'll forever be a champion at the University of Michigan."Â
Cason, who averaged 8.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game in 18.6 minutes per game last season, will likely have two seasons of eligibility left once he returns, unless he's granted an injury waiver for the NCAA. By the time he'll be vying for one after sitting out a full season, it could be a very different-looking college basketball landscape.
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