Akron Transfer Amani Lyles Picks Cincinnati Following Ohio Lawsuit

[Conner Becker]

Akron forward Amani Lyles is officially committed to the Cincinnati Bearcats for the upcoming season, Joe Tipton reported on Thursday.

The Lyles news arrives shortly after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued an executive order declaring all of the state’s universities capable of granting a fifth year of eligibility to players like Lyles and fellow commit MJ Collins. The NCAA is set to take DeWine and Ohio to federal court.

Lyles averaged 14.9 points, 2.2 assists and 7.9 rebounds last year for the Zips.

NEWS: Akron transfer forward Amani Lyles has committed to Cincinnati, source told @On3. ⁰⁰The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 14.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game last season. He is currently eligible for a fifth season through the Ohio lawsuit. pic.twitter.com/6UxOyBf4nV

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) October 22, 2026

Lyles and Collins are each featured on Jerrod Calhoun’s 2026-27 roster as of Thursday; Collins saw his case flipped after transferring from Utah State, but recovered his eligibility via DeWine’s executive order. It’s unclear whether the suit will be handled before the season begins vs. American University on Nov. 2.

The NCAA is attempting to reel states like Ohio into the new 5-for-5 ruling, which prohibits athletes from the Class of 2022 (last year’s senior class) from obtaining an additional year under the new guidance. The new eligibility system provides all athletes with a five-year clock from their enrollment or 19th birthday, whichever comes first. The days of redshirts and medical waivers are seemingly over.

What this means for Cincinnati is that Lyles and Collins aren’t exactly safe from further rulings over their status, especially now that the NCAA is taking Ohio and its governor’s latest move to federal court in hopes of negating the order.