John Calipari, the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team, is on a mission to build an exceptional 2026 recruiting class. With two top commitments already secured, he's eager to add more talent to the roster before the early signing period in November 2025. But here's where it gets interesting: Calipari is aiming high and wants to assemble a five-player class, which is an ambitious goal in the world of college basketball recruiting.
Let's dive into the details and explore the key players and strategies Calipari is employing to shape this promising class.
The Early Commitments: Andrews and Toure
Calipari got off to a flying start by securing commitments from two highly-rated prospects: JaShawn "JJ" Andrews, a 5-star recruit, and Abdou Toure, a 4-star talent. Andrews, a 6'6" wing from Little Rock Christian Academy, committed to Arkansas in mid-May, while Toure, a 6'5" wing from Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Conn., followed suit on October 3rd. Both players are expected to sign with the Razorbacks during the early signing period.
Priority Targets: Diane and Oladotun
Another key target for Calipari is Arafan Diane, a 7'1" center from Iowa United Prep. Diane, a national top 10 and 5-star prospect, plans to announce his college choice on his birthday, November 19th. He has narrowed his options down to a final five, including Arkansas, Houston, Kentucky, Indiana, and Virginia. Diane has already visited Indiana and will be visiting Houston in the coming weeks.
Additionally, Baba Oladotun, a 6'10" combo forward from Blake High School in Silver Springs, Md., is also on Calipari's radar. Oladotun, another national top 10 and 5-star prospect, is scheduled to visit Arkansas on October 24-26, which coincides with the Razorbacks' charity exhibition game and a football game against Auburn. He has already visited Kentucky and several other schools, including Virginia Tech, his home-state school Maryland, and Georgetown.
The Trio of Talented Guards: Holt, Smith, and McCoy
Calipari is also pursuing a trio of highly-rated guards: Caleb Holt, Jordan Smith Jr., and Brandon McCoy. All three players have recently taken official visits to Arkansas, and Calipari hopes to convince them to join the Razorbacks. In an interview with On3 Sports, Holt revealed that Calipari has been actively recruiting him and even flew down to meet with him and his father. Calipari's vision is to create a dynamic trio with these guards, and he aims to sign all three if possible.
Frontline Recruit: Miikka Muurinen
Another key target for Calipari is Miikka Muurinen, a 6'11" combo forward from Finland. Muurinen visited Arkansas in September 2024, and the Razorbacks are hoping to secure his commitment. With his addition, Calipari could potentially assemble a well-rounded class with a strong frontline presence.
The Pathway to a Five-Player Class
Calipari has a clear pathway to achieving his goal of a five-player class. He could sign three more backcourt players or frontline players or a combination of both. However, he also has the option to limit the class to "three or four" recruits, as he has frequently discussed since joining Arkansas.
Conclusion: An Ambitious Vision
John Calipari's vision for the 2026 recruiting class is ambitious and exciting. With a combination of top-rated guards and frontline players, he aims to build a formidable team. The early commitments and priority targets are promising, but the final decisions will shape the class. Will Calipari succeed in assembling a five-player class? Only time will tell. What do you think? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
