Penn State’s Transfer Portal Activity on Day 2

Penn State made a significant move during Day 2 of the transfer portal window, securing its first official transfer from Iowa State. This development came as the Nittany Lions retained several key players while losing a promising freshman. The tight end and cornerback positions were particularly affected on this day.

Five more Nittany Lions entered the transfer portal Saturday, increasing the outgoing total to 36 by 7 p.m. Saturday. Coach Matt Campbell made his first impactful move in the portal by bringing in tight end Benjamin Brahmer, who was a standout for the Cyclones this season.

A Significant Addition at Tight End

Benjamin Brahmer became the first Iowa State player to follow Campbell to Penn State, sharing his decision with On3 on Saturday. This move was expected but still important for an offense that lost three tight ends, two to the portal. Brahmer, a Mackey Award semifinalist, led Iowa State with 37 receptions last season, utilizing his size (6-7, 255 pounds) and skilled hands. He was a major target for Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht and for teams in the portal.

According to 247Sports, Brahmer was the second-ranked tight end and the No. 30 overall player in the portal. Brahmer headlined (with Becht) the group of players Campbell sought to bring to Penn State. He was a 2023 freshman All-American whose 2024 season was cut short by an injury. Brahmer sustained another scare against Arizona State in November, when he was carted off the field after sustaining a hit to the upper body. However, Brahmer returned the following week against TCU, catching a 23-yard touchdown pass as the Cyclones ended a four-game losing streak.

More Good News for Penn State’s Secondary

Terry Smith’s cornerbacks room looks to be in excellent shape. Zion Tracy and Jahmir Joseph announced Saturday that they will return, joining Audavion Collins and Daryus Dixson in staying with the Nittany Lions. Tracy is a veteran, having played in every game as the starting nickel back and being largely consistent in coverage. He also was deployed often in blitz packages, making five tackles for loss and a sack.

As a freshman, Joseph played in five games, though one was the Pinstripe Bowl, so he retained his redshirt. Joseph emerged as a player to watch against Clemson, making five tackles, breaking up a pass, and shorting Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik’s passing lanes. With those four cornerbacks returning, Penn State already has one of the Big Ten’s top returning rooms.

Elsewhere, redshirt sophomore Mason Robinson announced that he is staying, as did redshirt freshman offensive lineman Liam Horan.

Gauging the Day 2 Departures

Five more Nittany Lions entered the portal, led by a promising young tight end.

1. Andrew Olesh: The 6-5, 231-pound freshman tight end didn’t play as he worked to develop in the weight room. Penn State made Olesh, a 4-star prospect from Pennsylvania, a priority of its 2025 recruiting class, getting him to flip from Michigan one day before the 2024 Big Ten title game. “It came down to the wire, and I just went with my heart,” Olesh said at his signing ceremony. “I felt like at Penn State, I’m the most comfortable with all coaching staff, all the players I’ve developed relationships with. … At the end of the day, I felt like coach [James] Franklin, I’m the most comfortable with. And that’s really what it comes down to.”

2. Antonio Belgrave-Shorter: A redshirt freshman, Belgrave-Shorter earned a starting job at safety opposite Zakee Wheatley to start the season. King Mack (also in the portal) took the job in Week 3, and Belgrave-Shorter was listed as out for the season’s final four games.

3. DaKaari Nelson: A redshirt sophomore linebacker, Nelson played on Penn State’s coverage units, making two kickoff tackles vs. Nebraska. Nelson started one game at linebacker in 2024.

4. Owen Wafle: A redshirt freshman defensive tackle, Wafle transferred to Penn State from Michigan. He was a rotational player inside, playing in nine games and making four tackles. Wafle played 20 snaps in the Pinstripe Bowl.

5. Kolin Dinkins: A redshirt junior safety, Dinkins also played a lot of special teams and forced a fumble against Villanova. His brother Khalil, a starting tight end, opted out of the bowl game.

What’s Next for the Nittany Lions?

Penn State still awaits an announcement from starting middle linebacker Amare Campbell, the most important Nittany Lion still out there. Campbell is familiar with the transfer portal, having left North Carolina for Penn State, and also proved himself as the team’s top defensive player.

Penn State also is on watch for a commitment from Becht, who likely will be a four-year starting quarterback for Matt Campbell. And don’t forget about a few more top freshmen from 2025, notably 5-star offensive lineman Malachi Goodman, who did not play, and linebacker LaVar Arrington II, who earned a starting role on special teams.

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