As the dust settles on Penn football’s latest season, a major shift is coming for the Quakers. Four key seniors—Jared Richardson, Bisi Owens, Netinho Olivieri, and John Lista—have announced they’re entering the transfer portal.
This news broke less than 24 hours after the team’s final game. Each of these players has used up their Ivy League eligibility but still gets an extra year thanks to NCAA redshirt rules.
It’s a big moment, not just for Penn football, but for college athletics in general. Players are more willing than ever to chase new opportunities and show what they’ve got elsewhere.
For the full scoop, you can check out the article on the transfer portal news.
The Decision to Transfer: A New Chapter for Penn Football Seniors
Jared Richardson, Bisi Owens, Netinho Olivieri, and John Lista have played huge roles in Penn football’s recent success. Now, with the transfer portal open, they’re hoping to use their remaining eligibility to sharpen their skills and maybe boost their chances at a pro career.
Jared Richardson: A Record-Breaking Receiver
Jared Richardson just wrapped up a monster season—80 catches, 12 touchdowns, and 1,033 yards. He finished second in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) for receiving yards per game and third for receiving touchdowns.
Richardson powered Penn’s passing game, making a real difference every time he hit the field.
Key Achievements:
- 80 catches
- 12 touchdowns
- 1,033 yards
- Second in FCS for receiving yards per game
- Third in FCS for receiving touchdowns
He’s looking for a new team where he can keep growing as a player. Richardson wants to find the right fit and keep making noise on the field.
Bisi Owens: The Clutch Performer
Bisi Owens has been a steady, sometimes spectacular, part of Penn’s receiving corps. Over the last three seasons, he’s only gotten better, and his senior year brought career highs in receptions, average receiving yards per game, and touchdowns.
Key Achievements:
- 66 receptions
- 69.6 average receiving yards per game
- 5 total touchdowns
Owens helped Penn rank third in the Ivy League for passing yards per game and passing efficiency. Now, he’s ready to test himself at another program and see where his game can go next.
Netinho Olivieri: The Offensive Line Anchor
Netinho Olivieri anchored Penn’s offensive line, protecting the quarterback and opening up the run game. In 2024, he earned first-team All-Ivy honors and picked up several preseason All-American nods.
Key Achievements:
- First-team All-Ivy selection in 2024
- FCS preseason All-American by Stats Perform, FCS Football Central, and Phil Steele
He’s aiming to keep developing as a lineman and help another team succeed. Olivieri brings experience and skill that any offensive line would want.
John Lista: The Defensive Powerhouse
John Lista made his mark on defense. Last season, he racked up 62 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks.
After a season-ending injury in 2024, Lista bounced back this year and set new career highs in solo tackles and tackles for loss.
Key Achievements:
- 62 total tackles in 2024
- 5 tackles for loss in 2024
- 2 sacks in 2024
- 47 solo tackles in 2025
- 6 tackles for loss in 2025
He’s using the transfer portal to show what he can do on a new stage. Lista’s knack for big plays and leadership could give any defense a serious boost.
The Impact on Penn Football
Losing these seniors is going to shake things up for Penn football. They’ve all been crucial to the team’s recent wins.
With them gone, other players will get their shot to step up and fill some pretty big shoes.
Looking Ahead
Penn football is already looking toward next season. The staff will have to work on developing new talent and building off what Richardson, Owens, Olivieri, and Lista started.
The transfer portal is a huge part of college football now. For these four, it’s a shot to keep playing and chase their dreams, wherever that takes them.
Fans and scouts will be watching to see how they do at their new schools. Who knows where they’ll land or what they’ll accomplish next?
If you want more details, you can read the full article on the transfer portal news.
Conclusion
Jared Richardson, Bisi Owens, Netinho Olivieri, and John Lista have all decided to enter the transfer portal. For Penn football, that’s a big moment—one that probably stings a little if you’re a fan.
These players are looking for fresh starts and new ways to grow. It’s tough to see them go, but their time with the program won’t be forgotten.
The Quakers have to regroup now, figuring out how to move forward. Meanwhile, these seniors get to chase the next chapter in their football journeys.
The transfer portal keeps changing college sports, giving athletes more freedom to chase what they want. Watching these guys take their next steps… well, it feels like their story is just getting started.
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