Baylor Lands Star Penn State Transfer Kayden Mingo

Bears hope to also land Kayden's brother Dylan, a 5-star recruit.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the abstract forms of college basketball players in motion, rendered in bold primary colors that capture the dynamic energy of the sport.Baylor's acquisition of rising star Kayden Mingo adds another piece to their talented roster as they aim to remain an elite college basketball program.Penn State Erie Today

Baylor has added rising sophomore guard Kayden Mingo to their roster after he transferred from Penn State. Mingo had an impressive freshman season, averaging over 13 points and 4 assists per game while leading the Big Ten in steals. The Bears are now hoping Kayden's brother, 5-star recruit Dylan Mingo, will also join the program after decommitting from North Carolina.

Why it matters

Baylor has been one of the top college basketball programs in recent years, making the NCAA Tournament in 8 of the last 10 seasons. Adding a talented player like Kayden Mingo, who can contribute immediately, will help the Bears maintain their status as an elite team. The potential addition of his brother Dylan, a highly touted recruit, would be an even bigger coup for Baylor.

The details

Kayden Mingo started all 28 games for Penn State last season, averaging 13.2 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He was one of the best defensive players in the Big Ten, leading the conference in steals. Mingo's decision to transfer to Baylor comes shortly after his brother Dylan decommitted from North Carolina following the coaching change from Hubert Davis to Mike Malone.

  • Kayden Mingo played his freshman season at Penn State in 2025-26.
  • Kayden Mingo has committed to transfer to Baylor for the 2026-27 season.
  • Dylan Mingo, Kayden's brother, recently decommitted from North Carolina.

The players

Kayden Mingo

A rising sophomore guard who had an impressive freshman season at Penn State, averaging over 13 points and 4 assists per game while leading the Big Ten in steals.

Dylan Mingo

Kayden's brother, a 5-star recruit who recently decommitted from North Carolina after the coaching change.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Kayden had a great freshman year and we're excited to have him join our program. We're hopeful his brother Dylan will also choose to come to Baylor.”

— Scott Drew, Baylor Head Coach

What’s next

All eyes will be on whether Dylan Mingo, Kayden's highly touted 5-star brother, decides to join him at Baylor.

The takeaway

Baylor has landed an impactful transfer in Kayden Mingo, and the potential addition of his brother Dylan, a 5-star recruit, would be a major coup for the Bears as they look to maintain their status as an elite college basketball program.