Penn State football is undergoing a massive transformation as it looks to rebuild its roster through the NCAA transfer portal. The Nittany Lions, under new head coach Matt Campbell, face the challenge of replacing a significant number of juniors and seniors who have left for the NFL. Additionally, they must address one of the most depleted recruiting classes in recent memory. This transition comes amidst a period of program turmoil, including the firing of James Franklin in October and the subsequent hiring of Campbell just 54 days later.

The transfer portal has become a crucial tool for Penn State as it seeks to fill key positions on the roster. The portal, an online database where athletes can request to find a new program, allows players to transfer during a two-week period each year. All transfers are eligible to play immediately, and graduates can transfer at any time. Players are allowed an unlimited number of transfers throughout their college careers.

Penn State has already made several high-profile additions through the portal. On January 3, the Nittany Lions secured their first commitment: Ben Brahmer, a tight end from Iowa State. The following day, they added a stunning 14 more former Cyclones. These moves highlight the team’s strategy to bring in experienced players from a program that has seen a coaching change and a shift in direction.

Key Transfers to Penn State

Alijah Carnell, a defensive tackle from Iowa State, announced his transfer to Penn State on January 4. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 290 pounds, Carnell made six tackles last season and has three years of eligibility remaining. He was a 3-star recruit according to Rivals.

Karon Brookins, a wide receiver, became the 14th former Iowa State player to join Penn State. A New Jersey native, Brookins is a 6-foot-5, 200-pound prospect who redshirted in 2025. He is considered a high-upside receiver.

Kooper Ebel, a linebacker, joined the Nittany Lions as the third Iowa State linebacker to commit. Ebel had a standout season in 2025, recording 77 tackles, eight for loss, a fumble forced, and three pass breakups.

Trevor Buhr, an offensive lineman, committed to Penn State on January 4. A rising junior, Buhr was one of the top offensive linemen in the Big 12 in 2025 and earned All-Big 12 honorable mention status.

Cael Brezina, another linebacker, also transferred from Iowa State. He made 29 tackles and forced a fumble in 12 games in 2025.

Kuol Kuol, an offensive tackle, joined Penn State after redshirting his only season at Iowa State. A 6-foot-6, 290-pound prospect, Kuol was a highly recruited player coming out of high school.

Carson Hansen, a running back, is expected to be Penn State’s most experienced back in 2026. A rising senior, Hansen rushed for 950 yards and six touchdowns in 2025.

Caleb Bacon, a linebacker, is another former Iowa State player to join Penn State. He made a strong comeback from an injury that sidelined him in 2024.

Brett Eskildsen, a wide receiver, led Iowa State in receptions in 2025. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound sophomore will reunite with former Cyclone receivers coach Noah Pauley.

Rocco Becht, a quarterback, officially transferred to Penn State on January 4. The Florida native was a revelation in Ames during his first two seasons as a starter.

Alex Manske, a freshman quarterback, also announced his transfer to Penn State. A highly-rated recruit, Manske played in just three games in 2025.

Gabe Burkle, a tight end, joined Penn State after transferring from Iowa State. He is the second former Cyclone tight end to join the Nittany Lions.

Marcus Neal Jr., a safety, is one of the top safeties from the Big 12. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound sophomore led the Cyclones in tackles in 2025.

Will Thompkins, an offensive tackle, transferred to Penn State after suffering a preseason knee injury in 2025.

Ben Brahmer, a tight end, was one of the top players in the transfer portal. The 6-foot-7, 255-pound Nebraska native is the No. 2 tight end in the portal, according to 247Sports.

Key Departures from Penn State

Several Penn State players have entered the transfer portal, signaling a major reshuffling of the roster.

Kenny Woseley, a cornerback, entered the portal after playing in all 13 games in 2025.

Kaleb Artis, a defensive tackle, will enter the portal after missing the entire 2025 season due to injury.

Amare Campbell, a linebacker, is transferring for the second straight season. He was the team’s leading tackler in 2025.

Andrew Olesh, a tight end, is the fourth PSU tight end to enter the portal. He did not play in 2025 while redshirting.

Owen Wafle, a defensive tackle, is entering the portal for the second consecutive year.

DaKaari Nelson, a linebacker, has entered the portal after limited playing time.

Antoine Belgrave-Shorter, a safety, is leaving after playing in nine games in 2025.

Matt Henderson, a tight end, is the third PSU tight end to enter the portal.

Jaxon Smolik, a quarterback, is the third PSU quarterback to enter the portal.

Corey Smith, a running back, is the fourth Nittany Lion tailback to leave the program.

Lamont Payne, a safety, has entered the portal after minimal playing time.

King Mack, a safety, is leaving for the third time in his career.

Cam Wallace, a running back, is entering the portal after limited action.

Eagan Boyer, an offensive lineman, is leaving after starting the Pinstripe Bowl.

Luke Reynolds, a tight end, is entering the portal after struggling in 2025.

Josiah Brown, a wide receiver, is leaving after two injury-plagued seasons.

Jven Williams, an offensive lineman, is departing after limited game reps.

Jeff Exinor, a wide receiver, is leaving without logging any stats in 2025.

TJ Shanahan, an offensive lineman, is entering the portal for the second straight year.

Ethan Grunkemeyer, a quarterback, is leaving after starting the final seven games of 2025.

Other Notable Departures

Jaylen Harvey, a defensive end, plans to enter the portal after two seasons in State College.

Anthony Speca, a linebacker, is leaving after limited playing time.

Xavier Gilliam, a defensive tackle, is entering the portal despite being a projected starter.

Kaden Saunders, a receiver, is leaving after missing most of 2024 and all of 2025 due to injuries.

Bekkem Kritza, a quarterback, will enter the portal before ever playing for the Nittany Lions.

Keon Wylie, a linebacker, is leaving after contributing as a backup in 2025.

Anthony Ivey, a wide receiver, is leaving after making just one reception in his career.

Daniel Jennings, a defensive lineman, is entering the portal after reclassifying to join Penn State.

Kari Jackson, a linebacker, is leaving after no statistical impact in 2025.

AJ Harris, a cornerback, is entering the portal after a successful season in 2025.

Alex Birchmeier, an offensive lineman, is expected to leave after limited minutes.

Chaz Coleman, a defensive end, is entering the portal after a promising freshman season.

Elliot Washington, a cornerback, is leaving after three seasons as a backup.

Joey Schlaffer, a tight end, left the team in early November and is expected to enter the portal.