Penn State extends transfer portal offer to former Florida lineman Joshua Braun

On3 imageby:Greg Pickel11/15/22

GregPickel

Penn State football has extended its first transfer portal offer of the year. The Lions are now in the race for former Florida offensive lineman Joshua Braun. The former four-star recruit, according to the On3 Consensus rankings, signed with the Gators in the Class of 2020.

A Live Oak, Fla., native, Braun started seven of 13 games at left or right guard for the Gators in 2021. But, the 6-foot-6, 351-pounder was a reserve this season before he entered the portal. As a recruit, he was previously committed to Georgia before ultimately signing with Florida. He confirmed his intent to enter the transfer portal back in October.

“I would like to begin by thanking Gator Nation for their tremendous support throughout the three seasons that I have spent as a Florida Gator,” Braun wrote. “There are no better fans in the country, nor a better gameday atmosphere than The Swamp. I would also like to thank Coach Mullen and Coach Hevesy for giving me the opportunity to don the Orange and Blue, as well as Coach Napier and Coach Sale for furthering my development. After careful consideration with my wife and family, I have decided to enter the transfer portal on December 5. I intend to do so as a graduate of the University of Florida.

“In order to do so, I am leaving the team as the class I need to graduate conflicts heavily with football. I apologize to my teammates for the timing of this announcement and departure, but I must do what is in the best interests of myself and my family. I have cherished every second that I have been a Gator, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life.”

Penn State will push for Braun and other offensive linemen in the portal, Class of 2023

As a graduate transfer who has not moved schools before, Braun will be immediately eligible to play at the next program of his choice. He also spent some time at tackle with the Gators, according to GatorsOnline. Penn State is certainly in the market for offensive line depth, and so this offer makes sense.

Braun will not be the only offensive line target Penn State pushes for before next season. BWI recruiting insider Ryan Snyder has an in-depth recruiting update that covers some other possibilities. Read that by clicking here.

Penn State has questions to answer along the offensive line. Tackles Olu Fashanu and Caedan Wallace could leave for the NFL, though both may return. Hunter Nourzad will be back in 2023 at guard. Saleem Wormely should be, as well. And, center Juice Scruggs has the option to return, as well. But, outgoing transfer portal losses could impact the team’s depth, which is why it continues to look for additions in the trenches.

Braun has also received offers from UNLV, Wyoming, and UCF.

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