Josh Reed Returns to Penn State Basketball After Court Grants Fifth-Year Eligibility

Forward Josh Reed will rejoin the Penn State men’s basketball roster for the 2026‑27 season after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction that extends eligibility to a fifth year for athletes from the 2022 high‑school graduating class. Reed, a former Cincinnati player who transferred to Penn State, was among the plaintiffs in an Ohio lawsuit challenging the NCAA’s new “5‑for‑5” eligibility model, and the court’s decision allowed him and dozens of teammates to return.

Penn State announced Reed’s addition to its roster, noting his prior season averages of 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and an 87 % free‑throw rate. Head coach Mike Rhoades praised Reed’s leadership and performance, and the ruling is expected to affect eligibility decisions for many college athletes nationwide.