Penn State men’s basketball is poised for a transformative 2025–26 season, having secured its highest-ranked recruiting class in program history. Head coach Mike Rhoades has successfully landed three standout recruits—Kayden Mingo, Mason Blackwood, and Justin Houser—each bringing unique talents that promise to elevate the Nittany Lions’ performance in the competitive Big Ten Conference.
**Kayden Mingo: A Generational Talent**
Leading the class is combo guard Kayden Mingo, a four-star recruit from Long Island Lutheran High School in New York. Ranked No. 42 nationally and No. 5 among combo guards by the 247Sports Composite, Mingo is the highest-rated recruit in Penn State basketball history, surpassing former standout Tony Carr
Known for his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities, Mingo averaged 18.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game during the 2024 EYBL season, shooting an impressive 49.7% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc .
Coach Rhoades envisions Mingo as the team’s future floor general, stating, “He’s a high-level player… and I think he’s just a high-character kid. He cares about his teammates,
**Mason Blackwood: Versatile Wing Presence**
Joining Mingo is four-star small forward Mason Blackwood from New Hampton School in New Hampshire. Ranked No. 102 nationally by 247Sports, Blackwood brings versatility and defensive tenacity to the wing position ([Black Shoe Diaries][4]). Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 210 pounds, he averaged 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in the Nike EYBL circuit, showcasing a 45.7% shooting accuracy from three-point range ([Yardbarker][3]). Coach Rhoades praised Blackwood’s adaptability, noting, “He’s very physical. He plays with an edge and a motor. He loves playing defense… I think he’ll be a fan favorite quickly because of how hard he plays and the way he goes about it”
**Justin Houser: Anchoring the Paint**
Completing the trio is 6-foot-11 center Justin Houser from Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. A three-star recruit, Houser is recognized for his shot-blocking ability and perimeter shooting. His size and skill set are expected to provide a significant presence in the paint, complementing the team’s perimeter threats .
**Building a Competitive Future**
The addition of Mingo, Blackwood, and Houser has propelled Penn State’s 2025 recruiting class to a No. 19 national ranking, the highest in the program’s history . This influx of talent aligns with Coach Rhoades’ vision of cultivating a competitive and cohesive team culture. As the Nittany Lions aim to ascend in the Big Ten standings, the integration of these recruits, alongside returning players and strategic transfers, sets the stage for a promising 2025–26 season.
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“Breaking Down the 3 ‘Cornerstones’ of PSU Basketball’s Future | Yardbarker”
Oh, Hello: 2025 SF Mason Blackwood Commits to Penn State Basketball – Black Shoe Diaries”
“Men’s Basketball Signs Top-20 and Highest-Ranked Recruiting Class in Program History – Penn State – Official Athletics Website”
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