It’s been a tough ride for Penn State basketball this season - no sugarcoating it. At 11-15, the Nittany Lions haven’t exactly lit up the Big Ten, and third-year head coach Mike Rhoades is still looking to establish some consistent traction. But there might be a spark on the horizon - and it could come in the form of a major recruiting win.
All eyes will be on ESPN’s First Take this Tuesday at 11:40 a.m., when five-star guard Dylan Mingo is set to announce his college decision. Mingo, one of the most electric prospects in the 2026 class, is down to four finalists: Penn State, Baylor, North Carolina, and Washington.
For Penn State, this one carries a little extra weight - and not just because of Mingo’s ranking. Dylan is the younger brother of current Nittany Lions freshman standout Kayden Mingo, who’s been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise rocky season.
Kayden came in as the highest-rated signee in program history, and he’s lived up to the hype, averaging 13.9 points and 4.2 assists over 23 games. He’s brought energy, skill, and a sense of hope to a team that desperately needed it.
Now imagine pairing him with his younger brother - a 6-foot-5, 190-pound guard who’s currently ranked No. 5 nationally in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite. Dylan isn’t just a name with pedigree.
He’s a bona fide star in his own right. A product of Long Island Lutheran and a standout with the PSA Cardinals on Nike’s EYBL circuit, he’s been putting up serious numbers: 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
That’s the kind of production that turns heads - and turns programs around.
For Rhoades, landing Dylan would be more than just a recruiting win - it could be a program-shifting moment. The idea of the Mingo brothers sharing a backcourt in 2026-27 is enough to make any Penn State fan dream big. It’s the kind of dynamic duo that could bring real firepower to the Big Ten and elevate the Nittany Lions from rebuilding to contending.
Of course, Penn State isn’t the only program in the hunt. Baylor, North Carolina, and Washington are all major players, and each brings its own appeal. But if the Lions can keep it in the family and secure Dylan’s commitment, it would be a massive boost for a team looking to turn the page.
Tuesday’s decision could be a turning point - not just for Dylan Mingo, but for the trajectory of Penn State basketball. Stay tuned.