In a notable twist to the offseason basketball shuffle, forward Sam Walters has made a surprising move that changes the trajectory of his college basketball journey. On Friday, SMU officially announced that Walters has signed with the Mustangs, ending speculation about his previously expected transfer to Mississippi State. The decision marks another significant addition for head coach Andy Enfield as he continues to build momentum in his second year at the helm of the SMU program.
Walters, a versatile 6-foot-10 forward, spent the 2024–25 season at Michigan, where he sought to expand his game following a strong freshman campaign at Alabama. While at Alabama, Walters contributed to one of the most memorable seasons in program history. Playing in every game during the 2023–24 season, he averaged 5.4 points per contest and was an important rotation piece for the Crimson Tide as they made a run to the Final Four. His size, perimeter shooting ability, and high basketball IQ made him a valuable asset in a deep and competitive SEC lineup.
After one season at Michigan, where he continued to show flashes of his potential, Walters initially committed to transferring to Mississippi State, signaling a return to the Southeastern Conference. However, plans changed. Instead of returning to the SEC, Walters has opted to join SMU, which now competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) following the school’s recent move from the American Athletic Conference.
The decision to had to Dallas places Walters in the middle of a revitalized SMU program aiming to make a major impact in its new conference home. Under Coach Enfield, who previously coached at USC and is known for his up-tempo offensive systems and player development, the Mustangs have been active in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail. Walters’ signing is seen as a big win for SMU, adding depth, experience, and versatility to their frontcourt.
For Walters, SMU represents an opportunity to be a centerpiece rather than a supporting cast member. With two years of eligibility remaining, he can take on a larger role and continue to refine his game in a competitive environment. His ability to stretch the floor and play both forward positions fits well with Enfield’s offensive system, which favors mobility and shooting.
The move also reflects a broader trend in college basketball: the increasingly fluid nature of player movement and the impact of the transfer portal. Walters will be playing for his third school in as many years, a testament to how athletes are navigating opportunities in search of the right fit both on and off the court.
As the Mustangs prepare for their ACC debut, the addition of Sam Walters signals their intent to compete immediately. For Walters, the decision opens a new chapter—one that could see him play a pivotal role in shaping SMU’s future in one of college basketball’s premier conferences.
