Furman's Cooper Bowser Signs with Arkansas Basketball

Razorbacks land coveted big man transfer from Southern Conference

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette conceptually representing the addition of a skilled big man to Arkansas' roster.Bowser's signing adds an experienced, efficient big man to Arkansas' rebuilding roster under new coach John Calipari.Woodbridge Today

Less than 24 hours after committing to Arkansas, Furman forward Cooper Bowser has officially signed with the Razorbacks. The 6-foot-11 big man is the first transfer portal addition for new head coach John Calipari, bringing three years of college experience and a standout junior season at Furman that put him on the national radar.

Why it matters

Bowser's signing gives Calipari an experienced interior presence to build around as he looks to rebuild the Razorbacks' roster through the transfer portal. Bowser's efficient scoring, rim protection, and March Madness experience will be valuable assets for an Arkansas team looking to return to the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Bowser, a native of Woodbridge, Virginia, spent three seasons at Furman after a postgraduate year at Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas. He made steady improvements each year, culminating in a breakout junior campaign in 2025-26 where he averaged 13.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 76.6% from the field. Bowser led Furman to the Southern Conference Tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance, where he held his own against UConn's frontcourt.

  • Bowser committed to Arkansas on April 14, 2026.
  • Bowser officially signed with the Razorbacks on April 15, 2026.

The players

Cooper Bowser

A 6-foot-11, 215-pound forward who spent three seasons at Furman, where he emerged as one of the top big men in the Southern Conference.

John Calipari

The new head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, tasked with rebuilding the program through the transfer portal.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My dad is from D.C., born and raised, so he's always emphasized to me and my brother about just how basketball wealthy the DMV is, and just playing on teams like Prospect U, Team Takeover, and team Durant growing up. It's just different.”

— Cooper Bowser, Furman Forward

What’s next

Bowser will look to make an immediate impact for the Razorbacks as they aim to return to the NCAA Tournament under Calipari's leadership.

The takeaway

Bowser's signing represents an important early win for Calipari as he works to rebuild Arkansas through the transfer portal. The Razorbacks are getting an experienced, efficient big man who can anchor the interior and provide valuable March Madness experience.