Sam Alexis announced his intention to return to Indiana University for the 2026‑27 season, bringing to a close a legal dispute in Tennessee that granted him a fifth year of eligibility. The 6‑foot‑9 forward concluded his most recent college campaign with averages of 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 21.3 minutes per game, while shooting a career‑best 68.7% from the field.
Frontcourt firepower
Alexis will join a frontcourt that already features 6‑foot‑11 Aiden Sherrell and 7‑foot‑2 Samet Yigitoglu. The trio offers a blend of size, shooting and interior presence that could reshape the Hoosiers' approach on both ends of the floor. Coaches have praised Alexis's ability to stretch the floor and finish at the rim, traits that should complement the existing frontcourt depth.
Beyond his college résumé, Alexis showcased his form on the international stage at the FISU America Games in Lima, Peru, where he scored 39 points for Team USA and shot an astonishing 81.8% from the field (18‑of‑22). That performance underscored his current hot streak, which includes a personal‑best 72.5% free‑throw rate and 50 dunks over the last season.
His 68.7% field‑goal percentage stands as the best single‑season mark in Indiana history for players with at least 100 attempts, a testament to his efficiency and consistency. Across 32 games last year, Alexis started 23 and logged double‑digit points in 13 contests, including eight games with at least eight rebounds.
The addition of Alexis brings Indiana's scholarship count to 13 for the 2026‑27 roster, a depth that positions the program strongly as it heads into the upcoming season. With the NCAA still weighing a potential appeal of the injunction, the Hoosiers are poised to integrate a veteran scorer who could be a pivotal factor in their quest for conference contention.