Alex Jensen’s group has another transfer commitment, and it comes from Big Ten country.
Former Ohio State combo guard Taison Chatman made his pledge to the University of Utah public on Friday — the news was first reported by KSL Sports’ Steve Bartle, and Chatman announced his commitment later on social media.
Who is Taison Chatman?
Chatman is a 6-foot-4 guard who hails from Minneapolis and was a four-star talent coming out of high school, rated as the No. 39 overall talent in the 2023 recruiting class by 247 Sports’ composite rankings.
He spent the past three years at Ohio State but a torn ACL forced him to miss his second season there, and as a result, he comes to Utah with two years of eligibility remaining.
Chatman put up modest numbers over 45 games with the Buckeyes, which included three starts last season.
As a redshirt sophomore last year, he averaged 4.1 points, 1.2 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game, while shooting 46% from the field, 47.1% from 3 and 85% at the free-throw line in limited opportunities.
As last season wore on, Chatman played a larger role for Ohio State — his five games where he scored in double-figures all came during Big Ten play, and at one point in late January to early February, Chatman scored in double-figures in three straight games.
How does Taison Chatman fit into Utah’s 2026-27 plans?
Chatman is Utah’s second transfer portal addition this offseason, joining former Utah Valley wing Jackson Holcombe.
Chatman appears to be the kind of highly efficient decision maker that Jensen desires, and someone who can match the kind of defensive effort the coach is looking for.
The hope is that with more opportunities and extended minutes, Chatman can flourish at Utah.
The Runnin’ Utes still have plenty of work to do filling out the remainder of the 2026-27 roster after seeing eight players who finished the year on the roster enter the transfer portal — and two others who left the program midseason.
With Chatman’s addition, there are seven newcomers next year, including Holcombe, Zati Loubaki, Fynn Schott, Jaxon Johnson, David Katoa and Styles Clemmons.
They’ll join three potential returning players in Lucas Langarita, Babacar Faye and Obomate Abbey.
That leaves five potential spots remaining to fill a 15-man roster.
Utah needs further additions at point guard, but Chatman will help especially at the 2 spot and along the wing.