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Former Four-Star Recruit Makes Unexpected Transfer Portal Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 2:29 PM ET

Forward Sam Walters averaged 5.0 points and 1.6 rebounds per game off the bench last season with the Michigan Wolverines.

In a late-April shakeup, the 6-foot-10 sophomore has signed with SMU after a brief commitment to Mississippi State.

Walters spent the 2024-25 season at Michigan following a freshman year at Alabama, where he was part of a Final Four squad.

Earlier this month, Walters initially committed to Mississippi State and appeared locked in to play for the Bulldogs.

However, he has now reversed course and opted to sign with SMU, joining a Mustangs squad looking to bolster its frontcourt, per @PeteNakos.

BREAKING: Michigan transfer PF Sam Walters has signed with SMU, @PeteNakos_ reports

Walters was once committed to Mississippi State.https://t.co/DYoYNLlpS4 pic.twitter.com/ZWS3Alz2uH
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) April 22, 2025

Walters was a four-star recruit out of Villages Charter School in Florida.

His departure marks the latest in a series of exits that have seen several players leave via graduation, the transfer portal or the NBA Draft.

This includes key figures like Justin Pippen, Jace Howard, Tre Donaldson, Phat Phat Brooks, and Danny Wolf.

In Ann Arbor, Walters appeared in 23 games, logging 12.7 minutes per outing and shooting an efficient 42.5% from the field, 36.6% from three, and 73.7% from the free-throw line.

He recorded a season high of 13 points twice, once against Tarleton State on November 21 and again versus Western Kentucky on December 29.

His campaign was cut short by a back injury sustained on February 8, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season and postseason.

Looking ahead, Michigan's staff must pivot quickly to replace floor spacing and veteran leadership.

Replicating all that they've lost will be a key storyline as the Wolverines prepare for the 2025-26 campaign.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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