How did Penn State football transfers perform elsewhere in 2023?

Penn State has lost numerous players to the NCAA transfer portal over the years. It has also gained valuable contributors and depth pieces alike. Lions fans, of course, know how the latter group performed. But, what did the outgoing ex-Penn State players do at their new homes during the 2023 regular season? We have a full roundup below.

How Penn State transfers did on offense in 2023

QB Christian Veilleux, Pittsburgh: Veilleux waited awhile to get the starting job in Pittsburgh while watching Phil Jurkovec struggle. However, he did not seize the opportunity when it came his way. He was 1-4 as the team’s starter. He completed 94 of 184 attempts (51.1 percent) for just 1,179 yards. The former Penn State passer also tossed more interceptions (eight) than touchdowns (seven) before being benched. Pitt was 3-9.

QB Ta’Quan Roberson, UCONN: Roberson did not begin the season as the starter. But, once initial first-team quarterback Joe Fagnano was hurt, he took over and ran with the opportunity a year after suffering his own season-ending injury. Roberson was 197 of 338 (58.3 percent) for 2,075 yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions over 11 games. He also had 69 rushing yards for two touchdowns. The Huskies finished 3-9.

QB Micah Bowens, Charlotte: Bowens saw time in only one game. He lost 13 yards on his lone rush of the season.

RB Devyn Ford, Notre Dame: The former Penn State running back looked primed to cut a role out for himself in the Fighting Irish’s backfield. However, after carrying twice in the team’s first two games, he missed multiple contests and finished with just four carries for 14 yards. He did, however, have four receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown.

Keyvone Lee, RB, Mississippi State: Like Ford, Lee’s reps this season were few and far between. He carried 12 times for 75 yards but caught no passes. His best game saw him carry five times for 49 yards against Western Michigan.

RB Caziah Holmes, Florida State: Holmes found the end zone four times this season for the Seminoles, who are in the College Football Playoff conversation and ACC title game. He rushed 21 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns. And, he caught four passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Holmes is in a reserve role.

More: Five Penn State players who improved the most in 2023

RB Noah Cain, LSU: Cain, like the other former Penn State running backs, has not had consistent opportunities to carry the ball. The Tiger twice topped the seven carries in one game mark but has just 31 totes for 150 yards and three touchdowns this season. He also added a six-yard receiving touchdown in LSU’s win over Florida.

WR Jaden Dottin, Toledo: Dottin has not been a frequent target in the Rockets’ passing game but is a contributor for the 11-1 MAC West division champs. He has 10 receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown. His one-handed scoring grab against Central Michigan was one of the highlights of the season.

WR Daniel George, Akron: George is an oft-targeted member of an Akron team that struggled to win games this year. The former Penn State pass-catcher hauled in 52 passes for 529 yards and a touchdown. Those numbers made him the team’s number two target. He is a second-team All-MAC selection.

WR TJ Jones, UAB: Jones caught 15 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. His best game featured a two-catch, 93-yard day against FAU.

OL Jimmy Christ, Virginia: Christ dealt with injuries. He played in seven games and totaled 146 snaps.

How former Nittany Lions defenders did in 2023:

DE Rodney McGraw, Louisville: McGraw played in just one game this season. He had no counting stats.

DE Ken Talley, Michigan State: Talley, the former Penn State defender, played in five games for the Spartans this season. He had five tackles (one for loss) and a single quarterback hurry.

DT Fatorma Mulbah, West Virginia: Mulbah was in all 12 regular season games for the Mountaineers. He had 22 tackles (2.5 for loss) and no sacks.

DT Cole Brevard, Purdue: Brevard played in all 12 regular season games just as Mulbah did. He had nine tackles (2.5 for loss), a sack, two quarterback hurries, and two fumble recoveries.

DL Joseph Appiah Darkwa, Temple: Over eight games in 2023, Darkwa made seven tackles (two for loss) in addition to a sack.

DT Judge Culpepper, Toledo: Arguably the best former Penn State player still going in college football, Culpepper earned First-Team All-MAC honors. His 8.5 regular season sacks were the third most in the conference. He also has 35 tackles (10 for loss), plus two quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

LB Jamari Buddin, New Mexico State: Buddin next played for NMSU. He is no longer on the roster.

LB Lance Dixon, West Virginia: Dixon was in six of 12 games. He netted 14 tackles (one for loss) and a quarterback hurry.

CB Storm Duck, Louisville: Duck spent only spring practice at Penn State. He was eligible to play for the Cardinals this year despite that. Over 11 games, he had 30 tackles. He also had seven pass breakups and a quarterback hurry.

CB Jeffrey Davis Jr., Stony Brook: Davis Jr., saw time in four games this season. He had a single tackle.

CB Marquis Wilson, Purdue: Wilson dealt with injuries in 2023. In five games, he had 20 tackles and six pass breakups.

S Tyler Rudolph, UMass: Rudolph had 40 tackles over 10 games. Two of the stops were for loss. One was a sack. He also had an interception, four pass breakups, and a quarterback hurry.