Penn State Cornerback A.J. Harris to Enter Transfer Portal, Will Miss Pinstripe Bowl
A key piece of Penn State’s secondary is on the move. Junior cornerback A.J. Harris is no longer with the team and is expected to enter the transfer portal, a team spokesperson confirmed.
Harris won’t suit up for the Nittany Lions in the upcoming Pinstripe Bowl, marking the end of his two-year stint in Happy Valley. He becomes the fifth player from the 2025 roster to signal his intent to transfer when the portal officially opens on January 2. He joins tight end Joey Schlaffer, cornerback Elliot Washington II, defensive end Chaz Coleman, and offensive lineman Alex Birchmeier in the group of outgoing players.
This is a notable departure. Harris entered the 2025 season with serious NFL buzz, with many projecting him as a potential first-round pick. While the season didn’t quite go according to script - his production dipped and his draft stock took a hit - there were still second-round projections floating around had he declared.
On the field, Harris started all 11 games he played this season, but it wasn’t without turbulence. He was benched during the loss to Northwestern and missed another game due to an undisclosed issue. Statistically, it was a quieter campaign: 33 tackles, one pass breakup, and one fumble recovery.
That’s a step back from his 2024 season, where he made a strong impression in his first year after transferring from Georgia. Harris racked up 48 tackles, five pass breakups, and an interception, earning All-Big Ten third-team honors. It was a breakout year that validated Penn State’s decision to pursue him aggressively in the portal - a pursuit that dated back to his days as a top-50 high school recruit.
James Franklin and his staff had been in on Harris from the beginning, and when he became available again, they didn’t hesitate. The fit made sense, and for a time, it paid off.
Harris brought size, athleticism, and SEC-level experience to a Big Ten defense that prides itself on physicality and depth. He was a plug-and-play piece in a secondary that needed instant impact.
Now, with a new coaching staff taking over and Harris looking for a fresh start, both sides are turning the page.
For Penn State, it's another ripple in an offseason of transition. For Harris, it's a chance to reset his trajectory - whether that’s with another college program or eventually at the next level. Either way, he leaves behind a mixed but memorable legacy in blue and white.