Arkansas basketball is keeping a close eye on one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, as the Razorbacks have shown strong interest in five-star power forward Miikka Muurinen. Rated as a 98 overall by 247Sports, Muurinen is widely regarded as one of the top players in his class, and landing a talent of his caliber would be a massive boost for Arkansas’ future frontcourt.
Miikka Muurinen: 2026 Class 5-Star
Standing out for his rare combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability, Muurinen has quickly become a coveted target for elite programs across the country. Arkansas will have stiff competition, with bluebloods such as Duke, Michigan, and Indiana all heavily involved in his recruitment. Still, the Razorbacks’ ability to develop NBA-level talent, especially under head coach John Calipari, makes Arkansas a program to watch in this race.
The timing of Arkansas’ interest is notable. The Razorbacks are expected to lose key big man Trevon Brazile after this season, leaving a significant hole in the frontcourt moving forward. Even if Muurinen were to play a limited role early in his college career, his long-term upside is undeniable. His potential to grow into a featured big man makes him the type of prospect programs build around, not just for one season, but hopefully for years to come if h's not a one and done.
High Level Prospect With NBA Draft Aspirations
Muurinen has been one of the most fascinating high school prospects to follow over the past few years, and his recent career decision only added to the intrigue. After spending time at AZ Compass Prep, Muurinen made the surprising move to join KK Partizan in Belgrade, Serbia. The decision caught many by surprise and sent ripples through the NBA draft and scouting community.
Initially, there was speculation that the move overseas was designed to make Muurinen eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft. However, that no longer appears to be the case. Instead, all signs point toward Muurinen setting his sights on the 2027 draft, which would require him to either remain overseas longer or spend at least one season at the college level. That reality keeps Arkansas and other top programs firmly in the picture.
The move to Serbia seems rooted more in development than draft maneuvering. By competing against older, more physical players in a demanding European system, Muurinen is challenging himself in ways few prospects his age do. That experience could pay major dividends, especially as he continues to fill out his frame and grow more comfortable playing through contact.
This is exactly the type of player Coach Calipari thrives with. Known for developing first-round NBA picks, Calipari getting his hands on Muurinen could accelerate the young forward’s rise even further. Muurinen “oozes” long-term potential, and with proper development, he projects as a future first-round selection and cornerstone frontcourt piece. His mix of shooting ability, size, and athleticism will be sought after throughout his entire recruiting process.
Securing Muurinen won’t be easy, but Arkansas’ pursuit speaks volumes about where the program sees itself heading. As the Razorbacks prepare for life after Brazile, landing a prospect like Miikka Muurinen could define the next era of Arkansas basketball as they look to continue building in the Coach Cal era.