Penn State men’s basketball is set to host Canisius in its 2026-27 season opener, per Sam Federman.

The Nittany Lions enter their fourth season under Mike Rhoades in 2026-27 following another offseason full of roster turnover. Penn State lost star guard Kayden Mingo to Baylor in the transfer portal, but did make some moves of its own, most notably bringing in sharpshooter Brant Byers from Miami (Ohio).

Penn State has to improve from its disastrous 12-20 outing in 2025-26 to turn the tide on Rhoades’ tenure. The Nittany Lions have a 28-35 combined record over the last two seasons.

The Nittany Lions hold a 4-0 all-time record against Canisius, last taking the Golden Griffins down 97-67 at the Bryce Jordan Center in December 2022. Penn State won 66-62 at Madison Square Garden in the programs’ first-ever meeting in March 1995.

Penn State’s only confirmed matchups of the season so far are its game against Pitt at The Palestra on November 8 and the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in late November.