Penn State Faces Massive Roster Overhaul as Transfer Portal Takes Center Stage
Penn State football is staring down one of the most pivotal offseasons in program history - and it’s coming fast. With the NCAA transfer portal wide open, new head coach Matt Campbell inherits a roster in flux and a program at a crossroads. The Nittany Lions will need to reload, retool, and, in some cases, outright rebuild through the portal just to stay competitive in 2025.
Let’s break down what’s driving this dramatic roster shakeup - and what it means for the future of Penn State football.
A Perfect Storm: NFL Departures, Recruiting Gaps, and Coaching Turnover
First, the obvious: Penn State is losing a significant wave of upperclassmen to the NFL. That’s not unusual for a high-level program, but the volume this year is particularly high. Add to that one of the thinnest recruiting classes in recent memory, and suddenly the depth chart starts looking a little shaky.
And then there’s the coaching change. James Franklin was let go in October after more than a decade in Happy Valley, and Matt Campbell was brought in 54 days later to stabilize the ship.
But coaching transitions always come with fallout. In this case, it’s expected that a number of underclassmen may look elsewhere, adding even more urgency to Penn State’s portal strategy.
The NCAA transfer portal, for those unfamiliar, is essentially college football’s version of free agency. Players can declare their intent to transfer, and during the upcoming window (Jan. 2-16), they’re free to find new homes. Graduate transfers can move at any time, and players now have the flexibility to transfer multiple times without penalty.
Who’s Leaving: Key Departures in the Portal
As of mid-December, a few notable names have already entered - or are expected to enter - the portal.
Elliot Washington, CB (Junior)
Washington is a seasoned reserve who’s been a reliable piece of the secondary rotation for three seasons.
In 2025, he tallied 18 tackles, four pass breakups, and a key interception. While not a starter, his presence provided valuable depth and experience - the kind of player you don’t notice until he’s gone.
Joey Schlaffer, TE (Redshirt Sophomore)
Schlaffer was the first domino to fall after Franklin’s firing.
He left the team in early November and is expected to officially enter the portal. His on-field production was limited - he appeared in just three games this season - but he did record his first career catch and touchdown in a blowout win over Villanova, hauling in a 19-yard score from freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer.
Schlaffer’s departure speaks more to the internal ripple effects of the coaching change than anything else.
Who’s Coming: Still to Be Determined
As of now, Penn State hasn’t officially announced any incoming transfers. But make no mistake - that news is coming.
The staff will be active, aggressive, and strategic in filling holes across the depth chart. Expect movement at key positions like offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive back, all areas where the Lions need immediate help.
It’s worth noting that the portal has already paid dividends for Penn State in the past. This past season, transfers like linebacker Amare Campbell, safety King Mack, and wideouts Trebor Pena and Devonte Ross made meaningful contributions. That’s the blueprint Campbell and his staff will look to replicate - plug-and-play athletes who can step in and produce right away.
What’s Next for Penn State
The next few weeks will be crucial. With the transfer window opening in early January, Penn State’s staff is racing the clock to evaluate talent, build relationships, and sell a vision of the program’s future under Campbell. This isn’t just about filling roster spots - it’s about reshaping the identity of a team that’s gone through major upheaval in a short amount of time.
The good news? The portal cuts both ways.
While the Lions are losing some pieces, they’ve shown they know how to find value and bring in impact players. But the margin for error is thin, and the pressure is on.
Campbell’s first big test as head coach isn’t on the field - it’s in the portal.
Stay tuned. The rebuild is just getting started.