As Penn State men’s basketball prepares for its season opener on November 2, the team is ready to show its new identity.

The Nittany Lions’ new-look roster prioritized toughness during their offseason. Head coach Mike Rhoades wanted to build a substantially more physical team than last year’s.

Many of Penn State’s new players transferred from overseas or non-power conferences, requiring a bigger physical adjustment to the Big Ten.

“I think just in practice, we’re implementing it,” Miami (Ohio) transfer Brant Byers said. “We’re not trying to draw fouls or anything like that. We’re just playing through everything that we can without complaining; we’re just trying to push through it.”

Byers is one of six players from the transfer portal, coming from an undefeated regular season with the RedHawks.

As Penn State tries to establish a winning culture, Byers and his teammates faced a different offseason in terms of size and strength. The Big Ten produced 11 NBA draft picks in 2026 and had nine teams play in the NCAA Tournament.

When compared to the MAC’s zero draft picks and two March Madness teams, the Big Ten clearly outshines the conference in talent. The reigning national champions, Michigan, also hail from the Big Ten.

“The overall physicality is a lot different than the size of everyone in the MAC,” Byers said. “But overall, I think it prepared me pretty well for it.”

Byers isn’t the only player from the MAC adjusting to Big Ten play.

Tim Oboh is aiming to make a big impact for Penn State, but had to learn a new physical skill set to prepare.

“There’s a different style of play and obviously a step up in the level,” Oboh said. “Taking in what the coaches really have for me and what they believe is right and best in certain situations, I think is going to be huge.”

Oboh led his former Buffalo team in blocked shots last season. The 6-foot-11 forward also averaged 8.5 points and 4.9 rebounds in 2025-26 while shooting 61.1% from the field.

Protecting the rim and dominating the paint is a focal point for Oboh this season. Penn State averaged 29 rebounds last season. Its opponents averaged 33.1. Penn State mustered 1.7 blocks per game, compared to its opponents’ 3.4.

Penn State has lacked dominance in the paint, but the team hopes to be a nastier opponent ahead of its first game.

“The steps I’ve taken in my game … I’m a better athlete now, more versatile, more physical, stronger, faster, and better,” Oboh said. “That’s what I really want to show you.”

Penn State was outperformed not only in rebounding and blocking, but also in shooting.

In 2025-26, opponents shot 50% from the field compared to Penn State’s 46.9%. Opponents also shot 38.8% from three-point range to Penn State’s 32.4%, and 76.9% from the line to Penn State’s 75%, despite the Nittany Lions outscoring opponents by two free-throw attempts per game.

Poor shooting accuracy contributed to Penn State’s last-place Big Ten finish. Being outscored in field goals and three-point shots put the Nittany Lions in a tough spot.

But Rhoades has shifted the priority in his new players.

“Playing hard, honestly, being a dog, and giving the most I can every minute on the court,” guard Robert Blums said. “Obviously, I can shoot the ball. I like to attack, I like to be aggressive and physical on defense.”

Averaging 12.4 points and shooting 45.6% from the field last season, Blums was brought in to drastically improve Penn State’s shooting game. Beyond adding to Penn State’s offensive scheme, the physicality for Blums and Penn State is a focal point as they adjust to Big Ten play.

After a tougher, more intense offseason, Penn State is prepared to show its newer and tougher identity.

“I think you should expect a lot of physicality, guys playing hard, guys trying to prove themselves, because a lot of us haven’t played in the Big Ten and at a high level like this,” Blums said. “I think a lot of people want to prove to themselves that we belong.”