The Oklahoma Sooners land a championship-tested forward, Virginia's Sa’Myah Smith, who brings a rebounding prowess and defensive presence
The Oklahoma Sooners have secured a commitment from Virginia transfer Sa’Myah Smith. The 6-2 junior forward announced her decision, bringing experience from two Power conference programs, including time on a national championship team, to Jennie Baranczyk’s squad.
Smith spent the 2025-26 season with the Virginia Cavaliers after transferring from LSU. In 23 games (20 starts), she averaged 7.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.
She shot 44.8% from the field, 20.6% from three-point range, and 66.7% from the free-throw line while logging about 27 minutes per contest. Her rebounding stood out as she provided consistent interior presence and defensive versatility for Virginia, which finished 22-12 overall.
Her production came amid challenges, including an early knee injury, yet she delivered eight double-figure scoring games and helped stabilize the Cavaliers’ frontcourt after their head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton was let go at season’s end.
Smith’s ability to score in the paint, crash the boards, and protect the rim made her a valuable transfer target.
Path from High School Standout to Multi-School Veteran
A native of Texarkana, Texas, and product of DeSoto High School, Smith emerged as one of the top prospects in her class. Rated as a high four-star recruit (No. 57 nationally by some services), she was the top player out of the Dallas area.
She led DeSoto to back-to-back Texas Class 6A state championships in her junior and senior seasons, earning MVP honors in one title game with 10 points and 14 rebounds. She was named Dallas Morning News Player of the Year in 2022 and received recognition as one of the top players in Texas.
Smith began her collegiate career at LSU under coach Kim Mulkey. As a freshman in 2022-23, she appeared in 36 games and contributed to the program’s national championship run.
She earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors that year while averaging 4.6 points and 4.0 rebounds.
After a medical redshirt and limited action in subsequent seasons due to injury and depth, she posted stronger numbers as a redshirt sophomore in 2024-25: 6.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game across 36 games (28 starts), with five double-doubles, a career-high 21 points in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, and a team-leading 51 blocks.
Her move to Virginia in 2025 provided more starting opportunities and a chance to showcase her game in the ACC. Now heading to Norman, Smith will look for her third school to complete her eligibility as a redshirt junior (or depending on exact timeline, with remaining years).
Fit with Oklahoma’s SEC Ambitions
Oklahoma enters this offseason with momentum after a strong 26-8 campaign and deep tournament run. The Sooners compete in the loaded SEC, where frontcourt depth and physicality are essential. Smith’s size, athleticism, and experience against high-level competition should help address needs inside.
She joins other recent portal additions as Baranczyk reshapes the roster around returners like Aaliyah Chavez and others.
Smith’s skill set—lengthy frame for defending multiple positions, ability to finish through contact, and rebounding instincts, complements Oklahoma’s up-tempo style and spacing.
Her championship pedigree from LSU and resilience through injuries and transitions demonstrate the mental toughness required in the SEC. Coaches will likely develop her mid-range game and perimeter skills further while leveraging her as a rim protector and secondary scorer.
For Smith, the move to Oklahoma represents a fresh start in a program with recent success and resources to compete at the highest level. As a Texas native, the proximity to home and family could also play a role in her comfort and performance.
Smith’s commitment highlights Oklahoma’s aggressive approach to building a contender.
With her proven track record of elevating in big moments, from state titles to NCAA Tournament runs, she has the potential to become a key piece for the Sooners’ postseason aspirations.
Oklahoma’s frontcourt just got tougher, more experienced, and deeper with this addition.