Reviewing the Most Impactful Penn State Transfer Portal Departures

Penn State experienced a tumultuous 2026 offense. It was a carousel wash of players and coaches shuffling in and out of the Latsch Building, with 40 transfers entering and 47 transfers exiting.

At 3-4 overall and 0-4 in Big Ten play, Penn State seems to be on the short end of the transfer portal transactions. The bye week makes it a good time to look at what could’ve been if the Nittany Lions could’ve retained some talent from previous seasons.

Most Impactful Penn State Transfer Portal Departures

Ethan Grunkemeyer, QB (Virginia Tech)

Ethan Grunkemeyer has been impressive through his first seven games in Blacksburg. He is the nation’s fourth-leading passer with 1,984 yards, 15 touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 72.9 completion percentage. His only two picks came in the 35-33 loss to Pitt.

Grunkemeyer has been a catalyst to Virginia Tech’s 5-2 start under former Penn State head coach James Franklin.

Grunkemeyer appears to be perhaps the biggest transfer portal loss for the Nittany Lions. Especially when comparing his play to Rocco Becht’s, who has 1,664 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Luke Reynolds, TE (Virginia Tech)

Luke Reynolds would currently be Penn State’s second-leading receiver with 43 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns.

The Nittany Lions’ current tight ends have not been as potent. Iowa State transfer Ben Brahmer leads the group with 21 catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns, and Andrew Rappleyea is right behind him at 24 catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

Cortez Harris, DE | Mylachi Williams, DE (Virginia Tech)

One area Penn State has really struggled this season has been the pass rush. But Cortez Harris and Mylachi Williams are finding success elsewhere.

Harris and Williams have nearly as many sacks as Penn State’s entire defense this season. Harris has five sacks, and Williams has 3.5, while the Nittany Lions’ entire defensive unit has nine sacks. Harris and Williams have been key contributors to the Hokies’ top-five sack defense.

Xavier Gilliam, DT | Dejuan Lane, S | Amare Campbell, LB (Tennessee)

Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ defense leads the nation in sacks at Tennessee. Xavier Gilliam, Dejuan Lane and Amare Campbell all followed Knowles (plus Chaz Coleman) and have all played well.

Gilliam has 22 tackles and five sacks; Lane has 28 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, four pass breakups, a fumble recovery and a touchdown; and Campbell leads the Vols in tackles with 46, plus has two sacks and three pass breakups.

Like with Harris and Williams, having Gilliam on this Penn State defensive line would be a massive boost. As would be having Lane in the secondary after Iowa State transfers Marcus Neal Jr. and Jeremiah Cooper have seen their snaps decrease lately. And so would having Campbell next to Tony Rojas.

TJ Shanahan Jr. (Florida), Alex Birchmeier (Liberty) & J’Ven Williams (Charlotte)

Offensive linemen TJ Shanahan Jr., Alex Birchmeier and J’Ven Williams would be excellent depth options for Penn State. Williams is the only one from the group to allow a sack this season, with two.

Shanahan and Birchmeier are starters for their respective programs, and neither has allowed a sack in over 300 combined snaps.

Other Notable Departures

A.J. Harris, CB (Indiana): Has only played in three games; recorded seven tackles.

Elliot Washington II, CB (Clemson): Has 19 tackles, four pass breakups, three picks and a forced fumble while playing for former Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen.

King Mack, S (NC State): Has 18 tackles and one pass breakup.

Keon Wylie, LB (Virginia Tech): Leads the Hokies with 37 tackles. Also has a sack, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

Beau Pribula, QB (Virginia): Has 1,333 total yards, 15 touchdowns, one interception and completed 65.4% of passes. Pribula last played for Penn State in 2024.

Jaylen Harvey, DE (North Carolina): Has 12 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Kenny Woseley Jr., CB (Virginia Tech): Has 10 tackles; allowed nine catches for 92 yards in coverage.

Mehki Flowers, S (Akron): Has 27 tackles, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups.

Randy Adirika, DT (Virginia Tech): Has five tackles, one sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Main Image: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

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