Utah State Secures Defensive Standout Connor Turnbull
Utah State's men's basketball program received a significant boost this week as head coach Ben Jacobson confirmed the addition of Connor Turnbull to the roster for the 2026‑27 season.
College Career Overview
Turnbull, a 6‑foot‑10 forward with a reputation for rim protection, will arrive as a fifth‑year player after two seasons at Butler and the last two at Evansville, where he earned Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2025.
His defensive impact was evident throughout the 2024‑25 campaign, during which he appeared in all 32 games, averaged 9.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per contest, and ranked second in the MVC and 27th nationally for blocks.
High School Roots
A native of St. Paul, Missouri, Turnbull prepped at Fort Zumwalt North High School, where he scored over 1,000 points and held school records for rebounds and blocks, earning four‑star status from ESPN.
During his senior year he averaged 23.5 points and 12.7 rebounds, shooting 60 percent from the field, 39 percent from three‑point range and 81 percent at the free‑throw line, leading his team to a 27‑win season and the Class 6 state semifinals.
His consistent improvement carried into college, where after a modest sophomore stint at Butler he posted a 20‑point, 13‑rebound double‑double against Bradley and later set a program record with nine blocks against Western Kentucky.
Coach Jacobson emphasized that Turnbull's versatility and work ethic fit the Aggies' vision, stating that the player's blend of size, timing and rebounding will bolster Utah State's interior defense.
The addition reflects a broader strategy by the program to augment competitiveness through experienced transfers, a path that has previously yielded conference titles and NCAA tournament berths.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Turnbull will integrate with returning starters, with the coaching staff planning to deploy him in both starting lineups and situational packages to maximize his shot‑blocking impact.