On the final day of the transfer portal window, former Penn State linebacker DaKaari Nelson made his move official-he’s heading to NC State.
Nelson, who spent the past three seasons in Happy Valley, saw action in 29 games for the Nittany Lions, primarily contributing on special teams. While he didn’t rack up big numbers-finishing with 10 total tackles-he did notch a start during the 2024 season against Illinois, offering a glimpse of his potential in a more expanded role.
Coming out of Selma High School in Alabama, Nelson was a highly regarded 4-star recruit in the 2023 class. He initially joined Penn State as a safety, but after just one season in the secondary, the coaching staff shifted him to linebacker ahead of the 2024 campaign. The position switch was part of a broader effort to tap into his physicality and versatility, traits that could serve him well in the Wolfpack’s defensive scheme.
At NC State, Nelson will reunite with another former Nittany Lion, safety King Mack, who also made the jump to Raleigh this offseason. For a program that thrives on defensive toughness and depth, adding two players with Big Ten experience could be a meaningful boost.
Nelson’s journey-from a standout high school safety to a special teams contributor and now a linebacker looking for a fresh start-reflects the kind of development arc that’s becoming more common in today’s college football landscape. Now, he’ll look to carve out a bigger role with the Wolfpack and make the most of his new opportunity in the ACC.