Tyseer Denmark is on the move - and he’s not going alone.
The former Penn State wide receiver officially transferred to Virginia Tech on January 15, just over a week after entering the transfer portal. And while the move might’ve surprised some Nittany Lions fans, it’s clear Denmark is choosing familiarity over uncertainty. He now reunites with former Penn State head coach James Franklin, who took the reins at Virginia Tech earlier this offseason.
Denmark initially gave the impression he was staying in Happy Valley. Just before entering the portal, he posted a message to social media that read like a recommitment to Penn State: “they lost count tryna count me out, lets do it nittany nation #weback #weare.” That post was later deleted - and days later, Denmark was officially a Hokie.
The Philadelphia native came to Penn State as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2024. He was ranked No. 530 overall, No. 76 among wide receivers, and No. 12 in the state of Pennsylvania.
While he didn’t make a major impact on the field in his two seasons, playing in 12 games with just four catches for 45 yards and one touchdown, Denmark still brings upside. He also added two carries for eight yards, showing some versatility, even if his role was limited.
With Denmark’s departure, Penn State now has five wide receivers who’ve left the program through the portal. Matthew Outten is heading to Syracuse, Kaden Saunders committed to Southern Miss, and Jeff Exinor - like Denmark - also followed Franklin to Virginia Tech. Josiah Brown and Anthony Ivey are still in the portal, weighing their next move.
In response, new head coach Matt Campbell has been busy rebuilding the wide receiver room. He’s brought in four wideouts from Iowa State - Brett Eskildsen, Karon Brookins, Chase Sowell, and Zay Robinson - and added Grambling State’s Keith Jones on January 12. Jones is the most recent addition and could be a key piece in reshaping the Nittany Lions’ passing attack.
As for Franklin, Denmark is now the 12th former Penn State player to follow him to Blacksburg. It’s a growing list that includes quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, cornerback Kenny Woseley, defensive lineman Randy Adirika, tight ends Luke Reynolds and Matt Henderson, edge rushers Cortez Harris, Mylachi Williams, and Daniel Jennings, interior offensive lineman Michael Troutman, and linebacker Keon Wylie.
It’s clear Franklin is building something familiar at Virginia Tech - and for players like Denmark, the chance to reunite with the coach who recruited them in the first place might be just the reset they’re looking for.