Arizona’s basketball program has secured a key addition for the 2026‑27 campaign, announcing that transfer forward RJ Godfrey will start at power forward next season under head coach Tommy Lloyd.
The move follows a federal judge’s ruling in Colorado that all 2022 high school graduates, including Godfrey, are eligible for a fifth year of college competition, a decision that could reshape roster planning across the nation.
Coach Lloyd highlighted Godfrey’s experience, noting that the forward averaged 12 points and 5.3 rebounds per game during his most recent stint at Clemson and posted a career‑best 61 % field‑goal percentage.
Godfrey’s path to Arizona has been winding. After two seasons with Clemson, he spent the 2024‑25 year at Georgia before returning to Clemson last season, a journey that culminated in the recent eligibility clarification.
The addition is expected to be the final piece of Arizona’s 2026‑27 roster, a group that aims to climb into the upper echelon of the Pac‑12 and contend for a deep NCAA tournament run.
Eligibility Ruling Sets New Precedent
The Colorado court’s decision not only restores a fifth year for Godfrey but also opens the door for other recent graduates to seek similar extensions, a development that the NCAA is poised to challenge.
While the NCAA prepares an appeal, the immediate impact is already visible on the court, where Godfrey’s presence is projected to elevate Arizona’s interior defense and rebounding stats.
Local media outlets, including On3, were among the first to report the commitment, underscoring the role of independent scouting networks in shaping recruiting narratives.