Penn State basketball opts out of postseason participation, ending 2025 season

Penn State basketball ended the regular season on a high note, downing No. 12 Wisconsin 86-75 in Madison on March 8. Ultimately, the upset victory is the last we will see from the Nittany Lions on the hardwood this year.

On Sunday afternoon, Mark Brennan of Lions247 reported that Penn State was forgoing any postseason opportunities the program may receive from the NIT or newly formed College Basketball Crown. Citing a message from the athletic department, Brennan wrote that Mike Rhoades and the Nittany Lions were turning the page to the 2025-26 season.

Penn State basketball guard © Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2025.

The win over the Badgers put the Lions one game over .500, ending the season 16-15. However, after starting the year 12-2, the Blue and White won four games since January 2. Finishing with a 6-14 record in conference, Penn State missed the new-look Big Ten Tournament, which only included 15 of the league’s 18 teams.

Looking ahead, Penn State basketball has five seniors with expiring eligibility on the 2024-25 roster. The NCAA transfer portal opens next Monday, March 24. Next fall, the Nittany Lions will welcome three players from the 25th-ranked signing class in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

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