John Calipari and Recruiting Targets for 2026
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — John Calipari may have to wait until spring to learn about the commitment choices from several of his key 2026 recruiting targets, but he aims to expand his current roster of two commitments soon.
The NCAA Division 1 early signing period for basketball is set for November 12-19, 2025, and Arkansas is ready to secure a couple of exciting 2026 wings.
Calipari has made an impressive start by securing commitments from two top talents: 5-star JaShawn “JJ” Andrews and 4-star Abdou Toure.
Andrews, a 6-6 player from Little Rock Christian Academy, committed to Arkansas in mid-May, while Toure, standing at 6-5 and from Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Connecticut, pledged to the Razorbacks on October 3. Both plan to sign with Arkansas during the early signing period.
Another significant target, Arafan Diane, is expected to announce his college decision next month. The 7-1 center from Iowa United Prep is a top-10 national prospect and will reveal his choice on his birthday, November 19. Diane’s final list includes Arkansas, Houston, Kentucky, Indiana, and Virginia, and he has visited all but two teams, with trips to Indiana and Houston scheduled soon.
Additionally, 2026 target Baba Oladotun might also finalize his college selection in time for early signing. Oladotun, a 6-10 combo forward from Blake High School in Silver Springs, Maryland, is the last of seven Arkansas visitors this fall. He has an official visit to Arkansas planned for the weekend of October 24-26, coinciding with a charity exhibition game against Cincinnati and a football game against Auburn.
Oladotun was previously the No. 1-ranked player in the 2027 class before reclassifying to 2026. Calipari may have to wait until April to learn the choices of three highly-rated 5-star guards and intends to sign all three if feasible. One of these guards, Caleb Holt, shared insight into Calipari’s recruiting efforts, emphasizing the coach’s interest in securing him, Jordan Smith Jr., and Brandon McCoy as a dynamic trio.
