Penn State continues to make noise in the transfer portal, and this time they’ve added a key piece to their defensive front. Former Iowa State defensive lineman Ikenna Ezeogu is officially on board, following head coach Matt Campbell from Ames to State College. Ezeogu is listed in the university’s student directory and becomes yet another familiar face reuniting with Campbell as the Nittany Lions reshape their roster.
At 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, Ezeogu brings size, experience, and versatility to a Penn State defense that’s undergoing a schematic shift. After playing in Iowa State’s 3-3-5 under veteran coordinator Jon Heacock, Ezeogu will now transition to a four-man front under new Penn State defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. That’s a notable change, but Ezeogu’s frame and skill set give him the flexibility to line up either as a bigger defensive end or slide inside as a tackle when needed.
Ezeogu started all 12 games for the Cyclones in 2025, putting together his best season to date. He posted a career-high 25 tackles and three tackles for loss, showing a consistent presence on the edge.
That followed a solid 2024 campaign where he appeared in 14 games, notching 19 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. His 2023 season saw him contribute 16 tackles, one tackle for loss, and another sack - steady production over three years in a Power Five program.
Now entering his final year of eligibility, Ezeogu arrives at Penn State as a seasoned veteran with 43 games of experience under his belt. He’s not just a depth piece - he’s someone who can step into the rotation immediately and compete for significant snaps. And with the Nittany Lions shifting to a more traditional four-man front, his ability to play multiple spots along the line could prove invaluable.
Ezeogu originally committed to Iowa State as part of the 2022 recruiting class out of Blue Springs High School in Missouri. A three-star prospect, he chose the Cyclones over a host of Power Five programs, including Michigan State, Nebraska, Kansas State, and Wisconsin. He was ranked as the No. 61 edge rusher in the 2022 class, and now, according to 247Sports, he’s the No. 297 overall player and No. 34 defensive lineman in the current transfer portal cycle.
His addition marks the 18th defensive player to commit to Penn State since the portal opened on January 2 - a clear sign that Campbell and his staff are prioritizing defense as they build their version of the Nittany Lions. In total, Penn State has now brought in 37 players via the portal, and a significant chunk of those have ties to Campbell’s tenure at Iowa State.
For Penn State, this isn’t just about numbers - it’s about fit. Ezeogu knows what Campbell expects, understands the culture he’s trying to instill, and has already thrived in a system that values toughness and discipline up front. Now, he gets a fresh start in the Big Ten, with a chance to make an impact in a new scheme, on a new stage, and potentially elevate his stock heading into his final collegiate season.