Alex Jensen, Utah Basketball Welcome The 2026 Class Signees

SALT LAKE CITY — The Alex Jensen era with Utah basketball officially begins with a promising five-man class that blends talent, versatility, and local roots.

The Runnin’ Utes announced the signings of Styles Clemmons, Simeon Suguturaga, and Zati Loubaki, along with returning missionaries Jaxon Johnson and David Katoa, marking the first official recruiting class under Jensen.

The Utes will be hosting Sam Houston on Saturday, Nov. 15, for a 7 p.m. (MDT) match-up inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The Runnin’ Utes look to avenge their loss to the Bearkats back in 2022 at home (65-55) in the first meeting ever between the two programs.

Utah basketball welcomes the 2026 class

In a statement released by the program, Alex Jensen had this to share about the class:

“We’re excited to officially welcome Styles, Simeon, and Zati to the Utah Basketball family,” Jensen said. “With returning missionaries David and Jaxon, we’re continuing to build a values-based program that reflects what this university stands for.”

Utah general manager Wes Wilcox echoed that sentiment, emphasizing a long-term, developmental focus:

“We remain committed to creating a program that mirrors the values and excellence of the University of Utah community,” Wilcox said. “It’s a privilege to guide the growth of Jaxon, David, Styles, Simeon, and Zati — and we don’t take that responsibility lightly.”

Utes climbing their way to 3-0⛰️

Holy Cross vs. Utah Highlights⬇️#Big12MBB | @UtahMBB pic.twitter.com/MghWgESroh

— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) November 11, 2025

STYLES CLEMMONS

Freshman | Guard | 6’1″, 170 lbs | Virginia Beach, Va. (Princess Anne HS / Overtime Elite – City Reapers)

A dynamic playmaker from the East Coast, Clemmons will arrive in Salt Lake City as an ESPN 4-star recruit. Before joining the City Reapers of Overtime Elite, he spent two standout seasons at Princess Anne High School, where he earned All-Beach District First-Team honors in 2023.

Clemmons saw his stock rise after a terrific summer with Boo Williams on the EYBL circuit. He averaged 11.3 points per game and 2.9 assists per game over the course of the summer for his squad.

He is widely known for his incredible athleticism and his vertical jump. Very recently, Clemmons was videotaped recording a 43″ inch vertical at an Overtime Elite practice.

𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙢, @ClemmonsStyles‼️#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Flcp0VCGlL

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) November 12, 2025

ZATI LOUBAKI

Sophomore | Forward | 6’9″, 230 lbs | Nogent-sur-Oise, France (Monrovian Prep / Trinity Valley CC)

Loubaki will bring championship pedigree and international experience to Utah’s frontcourt. He helped Trinity Valley CC capture the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship (2024-25) and was named NJCAA Tournament MVP, scoring 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the title game.

A former member of the French National Team at the 2022 FIBA U18 European Championships, Loubaki adds size, toughness, and skill to the Utes’ rotation.

Hailing from Nojent-sur-Oise, France, Loubaki came stateside to join Trinity Valley. As a freshman in the 2024-25 season he averaged 9.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 52.8% from the floor and 31.6% from three.

𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙢, @zatilbk6‼️#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/2jvYz750gk

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) November 12, 2025

SIMEON SUGUTURAGA

Freshman | Guard | 6’4″, 200 lbs | Orem, Utah (Orem HS / Mountain View HS)

A rising in-state guard, Suguturaga transferred from Mountain View to Orem High School, where he averaged 10.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 steals during his junior campaign. He helped Orem go 10-0 in Region 7 and claim the 5A Region 7 title (21-4 overall) in 2024-25, earning Second-Team All-Valley honors. Suguturaga’s two-way potential and athletic frame make him a strong developmental fit in Jensen’s system.

𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙢, Simeon‼️#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/NGMMiklhJ4

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) November 12, 2025

JAXON JOHNSON

Freshman | Forward | 6’8″, 200 lbs | Sandy, Utah (Alta HS)

Johnson returns from his church mission as one of Utah’s most accomplished recent prep players. A four-star recruit, he led Alta High to the 2022-23 UHSAA 5A State Championship, earning 5A MVP, All-State, All-Region, and Tournament MVP honors. His shooting touch and versatility make him an immediate frontcourt contributor.

Johnson is the sort of versatile forward that Jensen has prioritized in his recruitment. Thanks to his combination of athleticism, size, and skill, Johnson has tremendous potential.

DAVID KATOA

Freshman | Guard | 6’4″, 170 lbs | Layton, Utah (Layton HS / Utah Prep)

Katoa, a three-star recruit, brings size and balance at the guard spot. After transferring from Utah Prep (formerly RSL Academy) to Layton High, he averaged 13.3 points and 4.0 rebounds as a junior. Known for his poise and playmaking, Katoa represents the kind of high-character, multi-skill guard Jensen values in his system.

The Bottom Line

Alex Jensen’s first recruiting class sets the tone — a mix of national and local talent, highlighted by championship experience, international flavor, versatility & diverse skillsets, and a strong cultural fit.

For Utah basketball, it’s the first tangible step toward the future of the program’s rebuild.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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