Sam Houston State forward Kalifa Sakho commits to Houston

Sam Houston State transfer forward Kalifa Sakho has committed to transfer to the Houston Cougars, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. Houston will be Sakho’s fourth school in five collegiate seasons.

The 6-foot-11, 230-pound Sakho averaged 7.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 25.1 minutes per game while starting all 32 games for the Bearkats in the 2024-25 season. Sakho also shot 66-percent from the floor last season and leading Sam Houston State on the boards with a team-high 125 defensive rebounds to go along with 77 offensive boards.

Sakho had his best game of the 2024-25 season with a double-double 16 points and 13 rebounds in a 75-71 loss at New Mexico State on Jan. 2.

Originally from France, Sakho qualifies for an additional season of collegiate eligibility after completing his senior season at Sam Houston thanks to the NCAA’s 2025-26 eligibility allowance after playing his first two seasons (2021-23) at South Plains College, a junior college in Texas.

The French big man then transferred to Utah State for the 2023-24 season as a three-star JUCO transfer, according to On3’s Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Sakho appeared in 33 games at Utah State, averaging 2.7 points on 66-percent shooting and 1.7 rebounds in 10.1 minutes per game while helping the Aggies win the Mountain West Conference championship.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.