Jerrod Calhoun and the Bearcats secured their 2026-2027 roster on Thursday night after Akron transfer forward Amani Lyles announced his commitment to Cincinnati according to Joe Tipton.
The 6'9" Forward was granted fifth season following the executive order from Ohio Governor Mike Dewine that was signed last week. Lyles was a first team all MAC selection a season ago, where he averaged nearly 15 points and eight rebounds for the Zips.
Lyles. recorded a season high 26 points in the Zips NCAA Tournament loss to Texas Tech this past spring. However, he now comes to Cincinnati with former teammate Eric Maheffey. However, for Lyles, he also expanded his game his senior season where he shot a career high 37 percent from three, which adds another wrinkle into Cincinnati's offense.
Now, it is unclear on what the eligibility status will currently look like with the ongoing five-for-five legal matters in the State of Ohio. Although, if eligible, Cincinnati's 2026=2-207 roster will now feature nine players who averaged 10 or more points a season ago. Which could become a really fun team if they are capable of all producing at a similar level under first year head coach Jerrod Calhoun.
TFON will continue to monitor the situation with ongoing updates on the status of Lyles along with MJ Collins as the State of Ohio's five for five court case progresses.