As Penn State turns the page to a new era under head coach Matt Campbell, the Nittany Lions are balancing the excitement of what’s ahead with the emotion of saying goodbye to some of the program’s most impactful veterans.
Tuesday brought a wave of roster updates, headlined by the formal farewell of linebacker Dominic DeLuca, whose journey from unheralded walk-on to team captain reads like a script straight out of a football movie. At the same time, Penn State got some welcome news: key contributors like offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh and tight end Andrew Rappleyea are staying put, opting to run it back rather than test the waters of the transfer portal.
Let’s start with DeLuca - a name that’s become synonymous with grit and leadership in Happy Valley. The Wyoming Area product wasn’t supposed to be here, at least not by the usual recruiting standards.
After tearing his ACL during his high school state championship game in 2019, DeLuca delayed his college enrollment and walked on at Penn State in early 2021. He started as a safety, switched to linebacker, and redshirted his first season.
But by the end of his second year, he’d earned a scholarship - and the respect of everyone in the building.
Fast forward to 2025, and DeLuca leaves as one of the rare three-time captains in Penn State history. He carved out a role on special teams, then became a full-time starter at linebacker.
His defining moment? That came on college football’s biggest stage - the College Football Playoff.
In the Lions’ semifinal against SMU, DeLuca didn’t just show up - he made history. His pick-six was the first touchdown ever scored by a Penn State player in the Playoff, and he added a second interception for good measure in a dominant win.
On Tuesday, DeLuca made it official: he’s declaring for the NFL Draft. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, he thanked his family, teammates, and a long list of coaches - including James Franklin, Manny Diaz, Tom Allen, Dan Connor, and Anthony Poindexter - for helping shape his journey.
“Ever since I was a kid, it has always been a dream of mine to play football for Penn State,” DeLuca wrote. “Having the opportunity to wear the blue and white and run out into Beaver Stadium is something I will cherish forever.”
It’s hard to overstate what DeLuca meant to this team. After his final home game in November - a win over Nebraska - he joked that he’d stay forever if eligibility rules allowed it. That kind of love for the program doesn’t go unnoticed.
While DeLuca heads to the next level, Penn State got a much-needed boost from two returning veterans who’ve decided to stick around. Donkoh, a redshirt sophomore, was the only starting offensive lineman to suit up in the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson.
With the rest of the line opting out ahead of the NFL Draft, Donkoh slid from right guard to right tackle and held his own. He’s expected to start at tackle in 2026 and will be a cornerstone up front for Campbell’s first full season.
Donkoh made his decision public on Tuesday, expressing full confidence in the new coaching staff - especially offensive line coach Ryan Clanton.
“I believe they will help restore Penn State’s tradition of excellence while continuing to support my growth to be the man that God has called me to be,” Donkoh wrote.
One day earlier, fellow offensive lineman Cooper Cousins also reaffirmed his commitment to the program, giving Penn State some much-needed continuity in the trenches.
Then there’s Rappleyea - a name that’s quickly rising in the tight end room. After starting the season buried on the depth chart and working his way back from a serious injury, the redshirt sophomore made the most of his opportunity late in the year.
He started the Pinstripe Bowl and caught a fourth-quarter touchdown that helped seal the win over Clemson. As things stand, he enters 2026 as the favorite to start at tight end under new offensive coordinator and position coach Taylor Mouser.
“This place is extremely close to my heart,” Rappleyea said in his announcement. “The past three years have been nothing but a blessing for me and my family. I look forward to building this with Coach Campbell and my brothers in that locker room.”
Of course, not everyone is staying. The transfer portal officially opens Friday, and Penn State is expected to see more movement.
As of Tuesday night, only a few departures had been announced, most notably starting cornerback A.J. Harris, who did not play in the bowl game.
True freshman quarterback Bekkem Kritza also entered the portal on Tuesday, adding another wrinkle to what’s shaping up to be a fascinating quarterback situation in Happy Valley.
Ethan Grunkemeyer, who started the final seven games of the season, has a decision to make. His future could be impacted by the potential arrival of former Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht, who’s in the portal and could reunite with Campbell at Penn State.
On the coaching front, another big piece could fall into place soon. Multiple reports have linked USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to the same role at Penn State. Lynn, a former All-Big Ten cornerback for the Lions, would bring both familiarity and experience to a defense looking to maintain its edge under new leadership.
So as 2025 comes to a close, Penn State finds itself at a crossroads - saying goodbye to a legend in DeLuca, welcoming back key veterans like Donkoh and Rappleyea, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of modern college football. The Campbell era is officially underway, and the foundation is already starting to take shape.