Penn State Lands Big-Time Transfer Commit to Boost Hoops Program

Miami (OH) forward Brant Byers chooses Penn State, providing a much-needed boost for embattled coach Mike Rhoades.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:35am

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the abstract forms and angles of a basketball player in motion, conveying the dynamic energy of a high-profile transfer to the Penn State men's basketball team.A bold, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic movement and energy of a top transfer's arrival at Penn State.Chambersburg Today

Penn State men's basketball head coach Mike Rhoades has landed a major transfer commitment from Miami (OH) forward Brant Byers. Byers, a 6-foot-8 forward who averaged 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season, was named to the All-MAC second team. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man who can shoot 39.2% from 3-point range will be a valuable addition for the struggling Nittany Lions program.

Why it matters

Rhoades is under immense pressure after Penn State went just 12-20 last season and missed the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year. This high-profile transfer commitment could be a game-changer for Rhoades, potentially saving his job and providing a much-needed boost to the Nittany Lions' basketball fortunes.

The details

Brant Byers, a native of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, decided to leave Miami (OH) and join the Penn State program. At 6-foot-8, Byers is a versatile forward who can stretch the floor with his 39.2% 3-point shooting. He was an All-MAC second-team selection last season after averaging 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game for the Redhawks.

  • Byers announced his commitment to Penn State on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Mike Rhoades

The head men's basketball coach at Penn State University, who is under immense pressure to turn around the struggling Nittany Lions program.

Brant Byers

A 6-foot-8 forward who is transferring from Miami (OH) to join the Penn State basketball team. Byers was an All-MAC second-team selection last season after averaging 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.

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What they’re saying

“This is a big-time commitment for Penn State, and it's one that could very well save Rhoades' job in 2026-27.”

— Andrew Kulha, Sports Writer

What’s next

Byers will now have to prove he can translate his success at the MAC level to the Big Ten conference as he joins the Penn State program. All eyes will be on Rhoades and the Nittany Lions next season to see if this transfer commitment can help turn the team's fortunes around.

The takeaway

This high-profile transfer addition provides a much-needed boost for the Penn State basketball program and its embattled head coach Mike Rhoades. Brant Byers' ability to stretch the floor as a 6-foot-8 forward who can shoot the 3-pointer at a high clip could be a game-changer for the Nittany Lions as they look to end their NCAA Tournament drought.