Penn State roster tracker update: New Portal news, Sean Clifford's decision is in, more
Changes are underway for the Penn State football program.
Blue-White Illustrated will track all the roster movement here.
Which players have entered the NCAA transfer portal? Has anyone joined the Lions from it? Who has made a decision about leaving for the NFL or staying? And what other additions and subtractions have been made to head coach James Franklin’s team?
Below, you’ll find updates on all of those categories and more as the offseason moves along. Sections will expand and condense as the schedule progresses from the bowl game to the beginning of the winter semester, spring practice, and so on. Penn State is preparing for an Outback Bowl date with Arkansas on New Year’s Day. Kickoff is set for Noon ET on ESPN2.
Transfer portal losses
Here is the updated list:
–Dec. 13, 2021: Backup quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson has entered the portal. He quickly received an offer from Connecticut.
–Dec. 10, 2021: Rudolph announces on social media that he will continue his college football career at Massachusetts.
–Dec. 8, 2021: Former three-star offensive lineman Des Holmes enters the portal. It appeared that the Class of 2017 signee would be in line for a starting role this fall, but it never happened. That’s why he’s likely to play his final college season elsewhere.
–Dec. 2, 2021: Former four-star safety Enzo Jennings enters the portal. Hopes were high that the Michigan native would make an early impact for Penn State. Instead, he’s looking around after just two seasons in State College.
–Nov. 24, 2021: Safety Tyler Rudolph begins looking for a new college football home. The former four-star On3 Consensus recruit played in just four contests during the 2021 season.
Who is joining Penn State from the transfer portal?
This section will continue to be updated if and when any college football player decides to enter the program.
We will note that the Lions offered UNLV linebacker/end Jacoby Windmon on Dec. 6. He, however, picked Michigan State on Dec. 8.
Another offer went out to Cornell offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad. He has yet to make a decision.
Penn State seniors who must decide if they are staying or going
This section’s first update since we originally posted it is news from Sean Clifford. He will return for his sixth season in blue and white.
QB Sean Clifford – Story on Clifford returning.
WR Norval Black — As of Dec. 14, Black was no longer listed on the Lions’ roster.
*WR Jahan Dotson
*DE Arnold Ebiketie
*DE Jesse Luketa
DT Fred Hansard
DT PJ Mustipher
LB Ellis Brooks
*K Jordan Stout
A * means that Dotson, Ebiketie, Luketa, Brisker, and Stout have all accepted Senior Bowl invitations. They could still return, however, despite doing so.
Who is out of eligibility?
For Penn State, that list includes:
RB John Lovett
OG Eric Wilson
DT Derrick Tangelo
S Jaquan Brisker
CB Tariq Castro-Fields
Which Penn State underclassmen are leaving for the NFL Draft, and which are returning?
This section will be updated as information becomes available. As of Dec. 13, no players have made their intentions public.
Penn State positions that could be impacted by the portal
It should not be a surprise that Penn State is focused on the offensive line. After losing Nate Bruce from the last signing class, the Lions need to replenish their depth in the trenches.
Linebacker should not be a surprise, either. With Brooks and Brandon Smith possibly gone, numbers there would be helpful, as well.
