Penn State’s offseason is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent memory, and new head coach Matt Campbell isn’t wasting time laying the groundwork. During his introductory press conference, Campbell pointed to the success stories of Jayden Higgins and Jaylen Travis-two of his former Iowa State transfers who made the leap to the NFL-as proof that the transfer portal can be more than just a patch; it can be a pipeline.
“We have a process,” Campbell said. “We know what we’re looking for in the transfer portal. We’re going to have to use that to continue to supplement for our football team.”
And that process is already underway. With Penn State facing key departures on both sides of the ball, the Nittany Lions are eyeing several portal standouts who could fill immediate needs. Let’s break down the potential fits, starting with a few names who bring both talent and local ties.
Jahiem White, RB (West Virginia)
If Campbell wants to keep top Pennsylvania talent in-state, Jahiem White is a great place to start. The York native and former William Penn High School standout made a name for himself at West Virginia, racking up 1,820 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He’s the kind of back who doesn’t just move the chains-he moves the needle.
White’s blend of vision, burst, and toughness would make him a plug-and-play option in Penn State’s backfield. With the Nittany Lions looking to reload at key skill positions, adding a homegrown talent like White would be more than symbolic-it’d be strategic.
Donovan Haslam, OL (West Virginia)
Up front, Penn State’s offensive line is in flux, and that’s where Donovan Haslam could come in. At 6-foot-3 and 346 pounds, Haslam brings serious mass and versatility. He’s logged over 1,200 career snaps, spending time at Austin Peay before transferring to West Virginia for the 2025 season.
Haslam’s experience across multiple positions on the line makes him a valuable chess piece for a unit that will be replacing four of five starters in 2026. Depth, durability, and flexibility-he checks all three boxes.
Jayden Woods, DE (Florida)
The defensive end room has taken some hits, with Chaz Coleman and Zuriah Fisher entering the portal and Dani Dennis-Sutton heading to the NFL. Enter Jayden Woods, a former Penn State commit who just wrapped up a strong freshman campaign at Florida.
Woods posted 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception en route to Freshman All-SEC honors. While the coaching staff that originally recruited him is no longer in place, the familiarity with the program-and the opportunity for immediate playing time-makes this a potential reunion worth watching.
JaDon Blair, S (Notre Dame)
With Zakee Wheatley moving on, Penn State could use reinforcements in the secondary. JaDon Blair, a former 4-star recruit who appeared in one game for Notre Dame, could be that guy.
Blair was high on Penn State during his original recruitment, listing the Nittany Lions in his top five. While there may be some uncertainty around the staff that recruited him, his talent and upside remain clear. He’s a long-term investment with the potential to pay off early.
Sione Laulea, CB (Oregon)
The cornerback room isn’t immune to turnover either, with A.J. Harris and Elliot Washington II both entering the portal. That opens the door for Sione Laulea, a junior college product who spent the last two seasons at Oregon.
Laulea played in 10 games this past season, tallying 10 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception. He’s a physical presence with good instincts and length, and he’s no stranger to Penn State-he had the Nittany Lions in his top five before committing to Oregon. With significant snaps up for grabs, Laulea could slide right into the rotation.
Riley Robell, OL (JMU)
Back to the trenches, where Riley Robell could be a major addition. The Harrisburg native and Bishop McDevitt alum started 11 games for James Madison this season and earned second-team All-Sun Belt honors during the Dukes’ College Football Playoff run.
At 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds, Robell isn’t the biggest lineman, but he plays with leverage, technique, and grit. With Penn State losing most of its starting offensive line, a steady presence like Robell could help anchor the rebuild.
Reed Harris, WR (Boston College)
The wide receiver room is also facing turnover, but Reed Harris offers a compelling solution. The former top recruit out of Montana had a breakout year at Boston College, catching 39 passes for 673 yards and five touchdowns-leading the team in receiving scores.
Harris played under former Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien this past season, and he has a prior connection to Campbell, who offered him at Iowa State. That familiarity could give Penn State a leg up in adding a versatile pass-catcher with a nose for the end zone.
Kenny Johnson, WR (Pitt)
Another wideout with local roots and proven production is Kenny Johnson. The Dallastown native spent three seasons at Pitt, hauling in 109 receptions for 1,354 yards and nine touchdowns. He also brings added value in the return game, having scored on both a punt and a kick return during his time with the Panthers.
Johnson was on Penn State’s radar coming out of high school, even taking an official visit to State College. With Trebor Peña and Nick Singleton moving on, Johnson’s return skills could be just as valuable as his receiving chops.
Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, DT (Kansas State)
Defensive tackle is one of the thinnest spots on the roster right now, with Zane Durant and Alonzo Ford Jr. heading to the NFL and Xavier Gilliam entering the portal. That leaves a big hole in the middle of the D-line-both literally and figuratively.
Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder could help fill it. The Kansas State transfer played in 12 games this past season, recording 17 tackles.
He’s not a household name, but he brings something Penn State needs: experience. In a room short on proven reps, that matters.
Final Thoughts
As Matt Campbell begins to reshape the Nittany Lions in his image, the transfer portal isn’t just a tool-it’s a lifeline. From seasoned linemen to explosive playmakers and promising defenders, Penn State has a chance to reload quickly if it plays its cards right.
Campbell’s track record with portal success stories like Higgins and Travis proves he knows how to find the right fit. Now, it’s about execution. If Penn State can land even a few of these names, 2026 could be a lot more about reloading than rebuilding.