Penn State Nittany Lions - Grade: D
- 2025-26 record: 12-20 (3-17)
Roster departures
- Freddie Dilione (14 ppg and 2.2 apg)
- Kayden Mingo (13.7 ppg and 4.3 apg)
- Josh Reed (11.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg)
- Melih Tunca (7.8 ppg and 2.4 apg)
- Dominick Stewart (6.6 ppg and 2.2 rpg)
- Eli Rice (6.7 ppg and 1.7 rpg)
Roster returnees
- Ivan Juric (10.2 ppg and 5.3 rpg)
Roster additions
- Jay Rodgers (11 ppg and 6.9 apg at Central Connecticut)
- Brant Byers (14.2 ppg and 4.1 rpg at Miami OH)
- Thomas Allard (D-II guard transfer)
- Roberts Blums (12.4 ppg and 3.4 rpg at Davidson)
- Tim Oboh (8.5 ppg and 4.9 rpg at Buffalo)
To be fair to Coach Mike Rhoades, it’s clear that Penn State Basketball isn’t a high priority for the school overall. But, grading this roster’s work, it’s hard to find much positive. They lost almost everyone to the portal, including guys like Dilione and Mingo who still had years left.
If it wasn’t for Juric coming back, the Nittany Lions would’ve received a failing grade. He had a nice freshman campaign and will be set to be the likely focal point of the offense next year.
There could be some glimmers of hope with guys like Blums and Byers giving the team a shooting boost, while Rodgers was the top passer in the NEC. Ultimately, it’s still not an overly strong starting lineup, and barring some of the freshmen excelling, Penn State is set up for another bottom-3 finish.
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