The last of Idaho State’s “three-headed monster” of big men is headed to the transfer portal, adding urgency to the Bengals’ recruiting efforts to find new frontcourt players.

Evan Otten, who led the Big Sky Conference in blocked shots during his only two seasons with the Bengals, announced on social media that he is headed to the portal. With the departure of the 6-foot-11-inch Otten, ISU has no centers or power forwards returning from this year’s team.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank God for everything he’s blessed me with throughout my life,” Otten, a redshirt sophomore, wrote on Instagram. “I want to express my gratitude and love toward my family, friends, the city of Pocatello and ISU athletics.

“I want to personally thank my coaches and teammates for this incredible experience,” he added. “Shoutout to Juice (strength coach Brandon Stephens) for getting us in the weight room since day one! With that being said, I’m starting the next chapter of my story and entering the transfer portal. Pocatello will always be a part of my story.”

Otten’s journey to Pocatello was an unusual one.

He started his senior year in high school in Redmond, Ore. at 6-6, and signed early with a lower-division school. During his senior season, he grew about five inches, and after dominating the glass at the Oregon high school all-star game, his coach contacted ISU coach Ryan Looney, asking him to evaluate whether he thought Otten could play at a higher level.

After looking at Otten’s tape, Looney decided that not only could Otten play at a higher level, he could play for Idaho State. The Bengals had already filled their scholarships for the coming season, but Looney offered Otten a spot as a walk-on with a guarantee of a scholarship the following season.

Otten redshirted that first year, then played in 30 games, starting 22 as a redshirt freshman during the 2024-25 season. He averaged 5.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and a league-leading 2.2 blocks per game, and was named Big Sky Freshman of the Year.

This past season, his numbers regressed a bit. He started 32 games, averaging 4.7 points and 3.8 rebounds, although he did lead the conference in blocks again, with 58. That ranks fifth in ISU single-season history. He was named to the Big Sky’s All-Defensive Team.

But foul issues kept Otten off the floor for significant periods of time. He averaged just under 15 minutes a game, and led ISU with 101 fouls and fouled out four times.

Indicative of both his potential and his struggle with fouls was ISU’s home loss to Weber State last month. Otten picked up two quick fouls and was limited to four minutes in the first half of the game — but blocked three shots in those four minutes.

His career average of 1.76 blocks per game ranks seventh all-time on the ISU charts.

“Evan gave Bengal fans two great years,” said Looney. “We are thankful for that. It will be fun to follow his future successes.”

Looney is now on the road recruiting, looking to fill the roster spots occupied by Otten, and backup center Caleb Van De Griend − ISU’s leading rebounder and second-leading scorer − and reserve forward Blake Daberkow, both of whom are out of eligibility. Together they formed what Looney referred to as ISU’s “three-headed monster” at the post position.

The Division I transfer portal doesn’t officially open until April 7, although players can declare their intentions to transfer at any time. Looney said Friday he’s not aware of any other Bengals with remaining eligibility who have declared their intentions to transfer at this time.