​Penn State Football Roster Changes and 2026 Transfer Portal Results

​The college football landscape continues to shift beneath our feet as the 2026 transfer portal window nears its official conclusion this Friday. Penn State has been particularly active in these closing moments, securing a flurry of new commitments to bolster their depth chart. As the deadline looms, James Franklin and his coaching staff are working overtime to finalize a roster that can compete at the highest level, proving once again that the modern era of recruiting never truly sleeps.

​One of the most eye-catching trends in this cycle is the apparent “pipeline” forming between Happy Valley and Blacksburg. A significant contingent of former Nittany Lions have decided to continue their collegiate careers at Virginia Tech. This exodus includes notable names like quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, whose departure marks a significant shift in the program’s developmental trajectory under center. Seeing so many familiar faces head to the ACC is a bitter pill for some fans, but it underscores the fluid nature of player movement in today’s game.

​While the departures have grabbed headlines, the incoming talent is equally substantial. Penn State has successfully leveraged the portal to bring in a massive haul of 38 players to fill vital gaps across the roster. The strategy this year seems heavily focused on established chemistry, as a staggering number of these new additions hail from Iowa State. This “Cyclones-to-Lions” migration suggests a targeted effort to integrate players who are already familiar with high-level competition and perhaps even each other’s playing styles.

​The influx of talent from Ames is comprehensive, touching nearly every position group. On the defensive side, the Nittany Lions are welcoming impactful linebackers like Caleb Bacon and Cael Brezina, alongside secondary help from Jeremiah Cooper and Marcus Neal Jr. The trenches are also getting a makeover with defensive tackles Alijah Carnell and offensive linemen like Trevor Buhr and Kuol Kuol. This influx of Big 12 experience is clearly designed to provide an immediate veteran presence in the Big Ten.

​Offensively, the additions are just as robust. The quarterback room will look much different with the arrival of Rocco Becht and Alex Manske, both coming over from Iowa State. They will have plenty of familiar targets to throw to, as wideouts Karon Brookins and Zay Robinson, along with tight ends Cooper Alexander and Benjamin Brahmer, have also made the jump to State College. This offensive core brings a pre-existing rapport that could significantly shorten the learning curve during spring practices.

​It isn’t just an Iowa State reunion, however. Penn State has scoured the country to find specific specialists and positional needs. They’ve tapped into the Big 12 further by grabbing defensive tackle Armstrong Nnodim from Oklahoma State and looked to the West Coast for defensive line help from UCLA’s Siale Taupaki and Keanu Williams. Even the special teams unit is getting a refresh with punter Nathan Tiyce arriving from Mississippi State and kickoff specialist Cristiano Rosa coming in from James Madison.

​Beyond the scholarship additions, the program is also reinforcing its depth through the walk-on route. Hunter Albright, an offensive lineman from St. Francis (Pa.), has committed to joining the squad. While these moves often fly under the radar, they are essential for maintaining a healthy scout team and providing the kind of competition in practice that pushes the starters to improve. Every piece of the puzzle matters when building a championship-caliber roster.

​Amidst the chaos of the portal, there is a silver lining in the form of stability. Several key players have signaled their intent to stay in State College for the 2026 season, providing a necessary foundation for the program. Notable returnees like offensive tackle Garrett Sexton and linebackers Cam Smith and Alex Tatsch will offer much-needed leadership. Keeping players like Zion Tracy and Cam Wallace in the fold ensures that the coaching staff isn’t starting from scratch in every room.

​The list of departures, however, remains long and serves as a reminder of the challenges of roster management. Beyond the Virginia Tech-bound group, Penn State is seeing talent head to a wide variety of Power Four programs. From Andrew Olesh heading to Oregon to TJ Shanahan Jr. choosing Florida, the Nittany Lions are losing contributors to major rivals across the country. It highlights the fierce competition for talent and the reality that players will seek the best individual opportunities available to them.

​As the clock ticks down toward Friday’s deadline, the final shape of the 2026 Penn State Nittany Lions is nearly set. It is a roster defined by radical change, high-volume portal activity, and a clear strategic pivot toward experienced transfers. Whether this massive infusion of new talent can gel into a cohesive unit remains the biggest question heading into the offseason, but one thing is certain: the team taking the field next autumn will look vastly different than the one that finished the previous campaign.