Illinois State sophomore Reggie Lynch will transfer to Minnesota and compete during the 2016-17 season after sitting out next season because of NCAA transfer rules, he told ESPN.com on Tuesday.

Lynch, who averaged 9.5 points and 5.4 rebounds, ranked 12th nationally with 93 total blocks and 14th with 2.8 blocks per game.

Lynch, a Minnesota native, starred at Edina (Minnesota) High School before signing with Illinois State. He said he's confident that Minnesota, which finished 6-12 in the Big Ten and failed to earn a postseason berth, is on the rise.

"I got to go back home," Lynch said. "It's going to be a blast and I believe we can turn things around."