Titus Yearout is coming home. The Lapwai native and former Idaho Vandal announced his transfer to Lewis-Clark State College on Thursday, posting the news on Instagram with a simple but fitting caption: "#GoWarriors."
This move brings the 6-foot-2 guard back to the valley where he made his name. Yearout was a standout at Lapwai High School, earning Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a senior in the 2021-22 season. He also led the Wildcats to back-to-back state championships in 2021 and 2022, cementing his legacy as one of the state's top prep players.
After four years at the University of Idaho, Yearout spent this past season recovering from hip labrum surgery. While he was sidelined, the Vandals made history—winning the Big Sky Conference Tournament and earning their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1990. It was a bittersweet moment for Yearout, who watched from the bench as his teammates reached new heights.
The transfer portal has been busy for Idaho, with several players moving on after the historic season. Big Sky Freshman of the Year Jackson Rasmussen, for example, headed to Oregon State. But the Vandals also added some local talent, including Kase Wynott—another Lapwai alum and state scoring record holder who spent the last two years at Washington State. While a reunion with Yearout won't happen in Moscow, both former Wildcats are now positioned for fresh starts at programs where they can thrive.
Yearout's college career so far shows promise. Through two seasons on the court, he averaged 2.9 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in about 10 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency stands out: 40.6% from the floor and 35.7% from three-point range. Those numbers suggest he can be a valuable contributor when healthy.
At Lewis-Clark State, Yearout joins a winning tradition under head coach Austin Johnson. The Warriors just finished a Cascade Conference regular season championship run and advanced to the NAIA Tournament. However, they're losing all-time leading scorer John Lustig (a Colfax alum) to graduation—opening up opportunities for new faces to step up.
The local connection runs deep. Lustig himself commented on Yearout's post with excitement: "Let's go!!! He's home." Other former teammates chimed in, including Idaho sophomore Miles Klapper ("This gonna be cinema") and former Vandal Tyler Mrus ("Yessir brother"). Tre Blassingame, who recently transferred to William and Mary, simply called Yearout a "hometown hero."
Yearout won't be the only new face in Lewiston. Royce Fisher, a soon-to-be graduate of Lewiston High School, is joining the Warriors as a true freshman. Together, they'll look to help LC State build on its recent success and make another run at the NAIA Tournament.
For Yearout, this transfer is more than a change of scenery—it's a chance to write the next chapter of his basketball story close to home, surrounded by familiar faces and a community that's always believed in him.