Penn State’s Top 5 Transfer Portal Additions: Impact Players for the Matt Campbell Era
The transfer portal window has officially closed, and for Penn State football, this cycle was anything but ordinary. With a new coaching staff in place and several key roster holes to fill, the Nittany Lions made strategic moves to reshape their depth chart heading into 2026. Now that the dust has settled, it’s clear the program didn’t just survive the portal-they made it work for them.
As part of a broader roster overhaul under new head coach Matt Campbell, Penn State landed five key additions who bring experience, production, and scheme familiarity. Let’s break down the top five transfer portal pickups and why each one matters as the Nittany Lions enter a new chapter.
5. Caleb Bacon - Linebacker
Penn State’s linebacker room took some hits in 2025-injuries to Tony Rojas exposed the group’s depth, and the departure of Amare Campbell left a noticeable void. Enter Caleb Bacon, a hard-hitting, downhill linebacker who brings both production and versatility from Iowa State.
Bacon racked up 68 tackles last season, good for third on the Cyclones’ defense, and added 9.5 tackles for loss. But what really jumps off the tape is his late-season surge as a pass-rusher.
In a standout performance against Oklahoma State, he notched six pressures and earned a 90.1 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus. That kind of disruption from the second level is exactly what Penn State needs-someone who can play early downs with physicality and still bring heat on passing downs.
Bacon’s ability to contribute in multiple packages gives the linebacker corps a much-needed boost.
4. Chase Sowell - Wide Receiver
Penn State’s attempt to revamp the wide receiver room through the portal last year yielded mixed results. This time around, the coaching staff went with a more targeted approach-bringing in someone who knows the system inside and out. Chase Sowell fits that bill perfectly.
Sowell led Iowa State in receptions with 32 and finished second on the team in receiving yards (500). He also posted one of the best yards-per-route-run metrics on the roster, a sign of his efficiency and reliability.
But what makes this addition particularly smart is the familiarity factor. Sowell already understands the offensive concepts Campbell and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser want to run.
That head start could make him a plug-and-play option on the outside, giving Penn State a steady boundary target who can move the chains and stretch the field.
3. Benjamin Brahmer - Tight End
Losing two former five-star tight ends in Andrew Olesh and Luke Reynolds would be a blow to any program, and it made tight end a top priority for Campbell. The response? Land one of the most productive and well-rounded tight ends in the portal: Benjamin Brahmer.
A 2024 John Mackey Award semifinalist, Brahmer led Iowa State with 37 receptions and six touchdown catches. But he’s not just a pass-catcher-he’s a complete tight end.
His run-blocking grades consistently hovered above 70, making him a reliable asset in both the passing and ground games. Pairing Brahmer with Andrew Rappleyea opens the door for creative multiple-tight-end sets, giving the offense both flexibility and firepower.
In a system that values tight end play, Brahmer is more than a fill-in-he’s a foundational piece.
2. Marcus Neal Jr. - Safety
Penn State has had a strong run of high-impact safeties in recent years, but heading into 2026, that pipeline was looking a little uncertain. Marcus Neal Jr. changes that in a hurry.
Neal led Iowa State in tackles (77) and tackles for loss (11)-rare numbers for a defensive back. He plays with a physical edge and elite instincts, grading out at 85.1 in run defense according to PFF.
That’s the kind of tone-setter you want patrolling the back end. Neal brings three-down versatility, meaning he can cover, tackle, and blitz when needed.
He’s not just a stopgap-he’s the kind of player who can anchor a secondary and elevate the entire defense.
1. Rocco Becht - Quarterback
Let’s not sugarcoat it-Penn State needed a quarterback. With no clear starter returning and the offense in transition, landing a proven leader became priority number one. That’s exactly what they got in Rocco Becht.
Becht brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree. He started 39 games over four seasons, threw for over 9,200 yards and 64 touchdowns, and added 19 more scores on the ground. He led Iowa State to the 2024 Big 12 Championship Game and capped off the 2025 season with a dramatic comeback win over Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, where he accounted for four total touchdowns and earned MVP honors.
What Becht offers is more than just numbers-he’s a poised, high-leverage performer who knows how to lead a team. In a transition year with a new coaching staff and a retooled roster, he’s the ideal bridge quarterback. Becht gives Penn State immediate stability under center and the ability to compete from day one.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 roster is still coming together, but this portal class gives Penn State a strong foundation. Each of these five additions fills a specific need, and all bring a level of experience that should help smooth the transition into the Matt Campbell era.
From a battle-tested quarterback to a physical safety and a versatile tight end, these aren’t just depth pieces-they’re difference-makers. And if they play to their potential, Penn State might be more ready to contend than many realize.