Tennessee State continues to strengthen its roster under head coach Nolan Smith.
Former Seton Hall forward Josh Rivera has committed to the Tigers, Rivera confirmed to @247SportsPortal. The veteran wing gives Tennessee State another experienced addition as the program prepares for the 2026-27 season.
Rivera, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound forward, spent last season at Seton Hall, where he averaged 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in limited minutes. Prior to joining the Pirates, he played at Fordham, where he averaged 10.7 points and 4.3 rebounds during the 2024-25 campaign, showcasing his ability to score, rebound, and defend multiple positions.
With his combination of size, athleticism, and Division I experience, Rivera is expected to compete for a larger role in Nashville as Tennessee State continues to build a roster capable of contending in the OVC.
The addition represents another notable transfer portal pickup for the Tigers as Nolan Smith continues to reshape the program with experienced talent from the high-major level.
What Josh Rivera Brings to Tennessee State: Scouting Report
Josh Rivera may not have posted eye-popping numbers at Seton Hall, but his game is much deeper than his final stat line suggests. After averaging 10.7 points and 4.3 rebounds at Fordham before transferring to the Big East, Rivera saw his role diminish on a deeper Seton Hall roster, averaging 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in just under 12 minutes per game. His production at Fordham and Lafayette, however, offers a much better picture of the player Tennessee State is getting.
Strengths
Physical, versatile wing
At 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, Rivera has the size and strength to defend multiple positions. He embraces contact, attacks the rim aggressively, and has the frame to battle on the glass against bigger forwards.
Slasher who finishes through contact
Rivera does his best work going downhill. He’s an explosive athlete who thrives in transition, cuts well without the ball, and can finish above the rim. When he gets two feet in the paint, he’s difficult to stop.
Winning intangibles
Rivera delivered multiple game-winning shots during his Fordham career and has experience in the Patriot League, Atlantic 10, and Big East. He has played meaningful minutes at every level of Division I basketball and should bring maturity and leadership to Tennessee State’s locker room.
Rebounding from the wing
He’s an active rebounder for his position, particularly on the offensive glass, and doesn’t shy away from doing the dirty work that often doesn’t show up in the box score.
Areas for Improvement
Perimeter consistency
Rivera has shown flashes as a three-point shooter, but his outside shot has been inconsistent throughout his college career. Improving his catch-and-shoot efficiency will determine whether he becomes an every-game starter or a high-impact rotation player.
Free-throw shooting
His career free-throw percentages have been below average, an area he’ll need to improve since he generates a lot of his offense by attacking the basket.
Fit at Tennessee State
Rivera appears to be an ideal fit for Nolan Smith’s system. His versatility allows him to play either forward spot in smaller lineups while also defending opposing wings. Expect Tennessee State to utilize him as a transition scorer, defensive stopper, and experienced veteran capable of guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player.
While he may not be a 20-point-per-game scorer, Rivera has the tools to become one of Tennessee State’s most valuable two-way players. If he returns to the level of production he displayed at Fordham, the Tigers will have landed one of the more underrated transfer portal additions in the OVC.
