DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University men's basketball head coach Matt Majkrzak announced the signing of Tolu Samuels (Chicago, Ill./Hillcrest) to the Huskie men's basketball program. Samuels is the 13th addition for NIU for the 2026-27 season. 

"Tolu is another Chicago area player returning back home," said Majkrzak. "After a standout career at Triton, he went to Southern Indiana and led the Ohio Valley Conference in rebounding last season. Tolu's motor and toughness are the first two things that stand out. His passing and ability to make plays for others is elite and is something that we plan to utilize at a high clip. He's a player that is all about winning and his team having success. Having Tolu back home and in red and black is a tremendous win for the Huskies."

Samuels comes to NIU following one season at Southern Indiana, where he averaged 7.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Samuels appeared in 29 games for the Screaming Eagles, making 26 starts. The 6-foot-8 Chicago native began his collegiate career at Triton College, spending two seasons with the Trojans. Samuels played in 67 games, making 63 starts, in his time at Triton, averaging 8.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. During his second season in 2024-25, Samuels averaged 9.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest. 

Fans can make deposits for season tickets for the first season of the Matt Majkrzak era online at NIUHuskies.com/tickets, by contacting the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or via email at huskiestickets@niu.edu.

The Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund supports Huskie student-athletes with a forward-thinking approach designed to strengthen competitiveness, elevate the student-athlete experience, and secure a successful future for NIU Athletic programs. For more information or to contribute to the Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund, please contact the Huskies Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923 or huskieathleticfund@niu.edu.