Penn State men's basketball added another player to its 2026-27 roster via the Transfer Portal. After guard Jay Rodgers first transferred into the program from Central Connecticut State University, another guard followed.
Mike Rhoades picks up first transfer with a veteran guard following visit
Brant Byers, a 6-foot-8-inch, 200-pound wing, joins the Nittany Lions from Miami (Ohio). He has two years of eligibility after spending his first two seasons in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
As a sophomore, Byers averaged 14.2 points per game and shot 47.8 percent from the field across 34 games and 33 starts. He was 39.2 percent behind the arc and 78.5 percent from the free throw line.
Byers also had 20 steals and 12 blocks, and averaged 4.1 rebounds per game. He had a total of 114 rebounds on defense and 27 rebounds on offense during his sophomore campaign.
The RedHawks finished 32-2 overall and 18-0 in the MAC in 2025-26.
This guard addition targets Penn State's shooting problem, especially with its top scorers departing. Guards Freddie Dilione V and Kayden Mingo, the top two scorers for the blue and white in 2025-26, respectively, entered the Transfer Portal. Forward Josh Reed, the third-highest scorer, graduated.
Byers was Miami (Ohio)'s second-highest scorer of the season with 483 points, just behind senior guard Peter Suder, who logged 487 points.
Per 247Sports Composite rankings, Byers is a four-star small forward in the portal. He's ranked 104th overall and 14th at his position.
Byers helped bring the RedHawks to the NCAA Tournament. They ultimately lost in the First Round of March Madness to Tennessee, 78-56, after beating SMU 89-79 in the First Four. Miami (Ohio) was upset in the MAC Tournament Quarterfinals, falling to No. 8 Massachusetts, 87-83.
The Nittany Lions now have five players on scholarship lined up for the upcoming season. Alongside Rodgers and Byers, Penn State added forwards Roko Prkacin and Francois Wibaut to its roster. Forward Ivan Juric also announced his return.
The incoming freshman class also includes three-star power forward Jamison White from East St. Louis, Ill. He signed with the team on Nov. 17, 2025.
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