“Tolu will be an excellent addition to our Screaming Eagle basketball family,” said USI Head Coach Stan Gouard. “Tolu has two years of experience at a highly successful program in Triton (College) and brings toughness, grit, and athleticism to the frontcourt.

“The OVC is a great league and fits his style of play. I look forward to watching his progression,” concluded Gouard.

Samuels is transferring to USI after spending last year with Triton College. He appeared in 36 games, making 33 starts, for the Trojans in 2024-25, averaging 7.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

The 6’8″ forward posted a season-high 16 points versus Indian Hills Community College and grabbed a season-best 17 rebounds at Highland Community College in 2024-25.

The Chicago, Illinois, native lettered in basketball at Hillcrest High School (Country Club Hills, Illinois).

The USI Screaming Eagles are a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and will be NCAA Tournament eligible in 2025-26 following the completion of the accelerated transition from Division II. USI has reached the OVC Championship in two of the first three seasons of Division I action.