Week 6 of the college football season is in the books. Penn State continues to struggle, but its former players are making an impact across the nation. This week, we look at how those transfers are performing, from standout moments to key contributions. Former Nittany Lions are proving their worth on new teams, with impressive quarterback performances and strong defensive play.
Quarterback Performances
Several former Penn State quarterbacks showcased their talents in Week 6. Ethan Grunkemeyer had a noteworthy game for Virginia Tech, completing 21-of-31 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown. He also added a rushing touchdown, but Virginia Tech fell short in a 25-20 loss to Cal.
Beau Pribula also stood out, leading Virginia to a 28-25 win over Syracuse. He completed 11-of-19 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown, then added 34 rushing yards on nine carries. It was a solid display of his dual-threat ability.
Key Contributions from Receivers
Former Penn State receivers made their presence felt, too. Luke Reynolds caught four passes for 58 yards for Virginia Tech. His 22-yard reception was the longest gain of the game, though Cal’s defense held firm and he couldn’t make the game-winning catch.
Kaden Saunders had a big night for Southern Miss, hauling in seven passes for 138 yards in a high-scoring 55-34 loss to Troy. Meanwhile, Aaron Enterline caught seven passes for 68 yards and a touchdown in Towson’s 31-24 loss to Stony Brook.
Defensive Standouts
Several former Nittany Lions also delivered on defense. Keon Wylie led Virginia Tech with a career-high nine tackles, along with a tackle for loss and a pass breakup. The Hokies still couldn’t secure a win.
Xavier Gilliam was a force for Tennessee in its 24-17 win over Arkansas. He recorded four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a pass breakup, and two quarterback hurries. His sack cost Arkansas 13 yards, a sign of just how disruptive he was.
Other Notable Defensive Performances
- Amare Campbell – Seven tackles, half a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry for Tennessee.
- Dejuan Lane – Six tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup, also for Tennessee.
- Mehki Flowers – 15 tackles, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery for Akron in its 25-23 loss to Eastern Michigan.
- Zuriah Fisher – Three tackles in his return to Beaver Stadium, including two stops without a gain.
- King Mack – Three tackles for NC State in its 38-14 loss to Wake Forest.
- AJ Harris – One tackle in Indiana’s 20-17 road win over Nebraska, his first game back from injury.
Running Back Contributions
Jabree Coleman helped South Carolina pull off an upset win over Florida. He carried the ball seven times for 39 yards and caught one pass for 15 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and finishing with 54 total scrimmage yards.
Additional Performances
- Anthony Ivey – One catch for one yard in San Jose State’s 16-13 overtime loss to Wyoming.
- Ta’Mere Robinson – One tackle in USC’s 31-23 win over Penn State.
- Owen Wafle – Two tackles in Duke’s 28-25 loss to Georgia Tech.
- Lamont Payne Jr. – Four tackles for Delaware State in its 34-0 win over Franklin Pierce.
- Kolin Dinkins – One tackle for Temple in its 34-20 loss to UConn.
Conclusion
As the college football season moves along, former Penn State players are making an impact on their new teams. They’re contributing with strong quarterback play, key receptions, and dominant defense. For more stats and game breakdowns, read the full transfer portal roundup here.
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