Penn State football is in the middle of a big shakeup. The team’s under new leadership, with Matt Campbell stepping in as head coach.
Now that the NCAA Transfer Portal is closed, the Nittany Lions are busy reworking their roster for next season. Let’s break down some of the recent changes, player moves, and what all this might mean for Penn State’s future.
We’re focusing on the latest arrivals and departures, giving you a closer look at where things stand right now.
Matt Campbell Takes the Helm
Back in early December, Penn State went all-in and hired Matt Campbell as their new head coach. Campbell’s arrival has stirred up a lot of excitement and, honestly, some nerves about what’s next for Nittany Lions football.
He built a solid reputation at Iowa State, and folks are hoping he brings a new mindset—and maybe a few more wins—to Happy Valley.
Impact on Player Movements
Since Campbell took over, the NCAA Transfer Portal’s been buzzing with activity. Some players announced they’re leaving Penn State, while others seem eager to join up under Campbell’s leadership.
The portal closed on January 16, and it felt like the roster was in constant motion right up to the deadline.
Penn State’s Transfer Portal Additions
The Nittany Lions didn’t waste time—they’ve been aggressive in bringing in new faces through the transfer portal. Here’s a look at some of the key additions expected to make an impact this coming season:
- Benjamin Brahmer, TE, Iowa State (1/3)
- Will Tompkins, OL, Iowa State (1/3)
- Marcus Neal Jr., S, Iowa State (1/4)
- Gabe Burkle, TE, Iowa State (1/4)
- Rocco Becht, QB, Iowa State (1/4)
- Alex Manske, QB, Iowa State (1/4)
- Brett Eskildsen, WR, Iowa State (1/4)
- Caleb Bacon, LB, Iowa State (1/4)
- Carson Hansen, RB, Iowa State (1/4)
- Kuol Kuol II, OL, Iowa State (1/4)
- Cael Brezina, LB, Iowa State (1/4)
- Trevor Buhr, OL, Iowa State (1/4)
- Kooper Ebel, LB, Iowa State (1/4)
- Karon Brookins, WR, Iowa State (1/4)
- Alijah Carnell, DL, Iowa State (1/4)
- Chase Sowell, WR, Iowa State (1/5)
- Jamison Patton, S, Iowa State (1/5)
- Hunter Sowell, S, Iowa State (1/5)
- Zay Robinson, WR, Iowa State (1/5)
- Keanu Williams, DT, UCLA (1/5)
- Vaea Ikakoula, OL, Iowa State (1/6)
- Alexander McPherson, EDGE, Colorado (1/6)
- Armstrong Nnodim, DT, Oklahoma State (1/6)
- James Peoples, RB, Ohio State (1/6)
- Dallas Vakalahi, DT, Utah (1/8)
- Hunter Albright, OL, St. Francis (Pa.) (walk-on) (1/8)
- Omarion Davis, S, Boston College (1/8)
- Siale Taupaki, DT, UCLA (1/8)
- Ibn McDaniels, CB, Syracuse (1/9)
- Cooper Alexander, TE, Iowa State (1/9)
- Brock Riker, OL, Texas State (1/10)
- Chris Fileppo, S, West Virginia (1/10)
- Jeremiah Cooper, DB, Iowa State (1/11)
- Nathan Tiyce, P, Mississippi State (1/12)
- Keith Jones Jr., WR, Grambling State (1/12)
- Tyshon Huff, OL, Tiffin (1/12)
- Cristiano Rosa, K, James Madison (1/14)
- Ikenna Ezeogu, DL, Iowa State (1/14)
- John Klosterman, LB, Iowa State (1/16)
Key Takeaways from the Additions
A lot of these new players come from Iowa State. It’s pretty clear Campbell’s old connections and the trust he built there are paying off.
This group should bring some chemistry, since they already know Campbell’s style and what he expects.
Departures and NFL Draft Declarations
Of course, while new faces are coming in, a bunch of players are also moving on. Some declared for the NFL Draft, and others are just out of eligibility.
- Drew Allar, QB
- Kaytron Allen, RB
- Amiel Davis, RB
- Tyler Holzworth, RB
- Nick Singleton, RB
- Liam Clifford, WR
- Kyron Hudson, WR
- Trebor Peña, WR
- Devonte Ross, WR
- Khalil Dinkins, TE
- Mason Carlan, OL
- Nick Dawkins, OL
- Nolan Rucci, OL
- Drew Shelton, OL
- Dani Dennis-Sutton, DL
- Zane Durant, DL
- Alonzo Ford, DL
- Dominic DeLuca, LB
- Zakee Wheatley, S
- Tyler Duzansky, LS
- Gabe Nwosu, P
- Riley Thompson, P
Senior Bowl and Other All-Star Games
Some Penn State players got invited to big postseason all-star games, giving them a chance to show off on a national stage. Here’s where they’ll be playing:
- Senior Bowl: Kaytron Allen (RB), Dani Dennis-Sutton (DE), Zane Durant (DT), Drew Shelton (OL), Nick Singleton (RB), Zakee Wheatley (S)
- East-West Shrine Bowl: Tyler Duzansky (LS)
- Hula Bowl: Gabe Nwosu (P)
- American Bowl: Nick Dawkins (OL)
Looking Ahead: The Class of 2026 and 2027
Penn State’s not just thinking about this season—they’re already working on the future. The team’s landed some promising recruits for the Class of 2026 and 2027.
Here are a few of the notable signees:
- Jackson Ford, EDGE, Malvern (Pa.) Prep (12/3)
- Peyton Falzone, QB, Nazareth (Pa.) (12/3)
- Bryson Williams, S, Omaha (Neb.) Westside (12/13)
- Tyrell Chatman, S, Lincoln (Neb.) North Star (12/14)
- Lucas Tenbrock, P, St. Charles (Ill.) North (12/14)
- Kase Evans, QB, Lexington (Texas) (12/14)
- Pete Eglitis, OL, Columbus (Ohio) Bishop Watterson (12/23)
- Mason Bandhauer, OT, Fort Collins (Colo.) (12/23)
- Keian Kaiser, LB, Sidney (Neb.) (12/24)
- Ben Whitver, WR, Powhatan (Va.) (12/27)
- Amarion Jackson, WR, Omaha (Neb.) Millard South (1/3)
- Josiah Zayas, DB, Piscataway (N.J.) (1/4)
- D’Antae Sheffey, RB, State College (Pa.) Area (1/7)
- Christian Askew, S, Kathleen (Ga.) Veterans (1/10)
High Priority Recruits
Looking ahead to the Class of 2027, Montvale (N.J.) St. Joseph Regional’s Jonathan Galette stands out as a top priority for Penn State. After a recent in-home visit from safeties coach Deon Broomfield, Galette set up an official visit with the Nittany Lions for June.
If you’re curious about Penn State’s transfer portal moves and roster shakeups, check out the 247Sports Transfer Portal Tracker.
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