Star C Caleb Ourigou, once a Kentucky target, commits to Arkansas

Caleb Ourigou, once a target for Kentucky, committed to play for Arkansas on Tuesday morning, choosing the Razorbacks over visits that included Kentucky, BYU and UConn. The four-star center is listed at 6-foot-10 and 230 pounds, and ranks No. 43 overall in the Rivals Industry Ranking for the 2027 recruiting class. The New York native made the decision after taking visits and said he liked the connection to the NBA and coach John Calipari’s ability to bring players there. Ourigou is viewed as a potential reclass candidate for 2026, though it remains unclear whether he would move up a year. On the Nike EYBL circuit with the NY Rens this spring/summer, he averaged 11.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks on 60.2% shooting over 15 games, including four double-doubles. If he joins 2026-27, Arkansas has an incoming group highlighted by five highly ranked newcomers, already ranked No. 1 nationally.