Penn State won't face top Arkansas player; USC offers Lions commit, more: Newsstand
Penn State will not have to face Arkansas’s best receiver in the Outback Bowl.
The player’s Tuesday announcement that he is opting out of the postseason to prepare for the NFL Draft headlines today’s newsstand. It also includes an awards update, recruiting news, and more.
Let’s get to the top tweets and headlines about Penn State and college football on Dec. 8.
Penn State tweets of the day
Star Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks has decided to not play against the Nittany Lions in Tampa. The first-team All-SEC pick hauled in 66 passes for 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2021.
The Razorbacks do prefer to run before passing. But, not having to deal with Burks on New Year’s Day is still a big bonus for PSU.
On the Penn State front, Jordan Stout will learn whether or not he is the punter of the year tonight. ESPN airs the Home Depot College Football Awards show at 7 p.m. ET tonight. Stout is a Ray Guy Award finalist along with San Diego State punter Matt Araiza and Rutger’s Adam Korsak.
Another Lions note of importance: Anthony Poindexter is returning to State College. He told ESPN that he was no longer in the running for the head job at Virginia on Wednesday.
It’s unclear if he might be in line to replace Brent Pry as Penn State’s defensive coordinator or if he’ll stay in his co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach role.
There are four updates of note on the recruiting front.
USC offered Penn State commit Andre Roye on Wednesday night. It is unclear if the Baltimore, Md., St. Frances three-star offensive lineman has any interest in the Trojans and new coach Lincoln Riley. He’s been a part of the Nittany Lions’ Class of 2022 since September. On a related note, St. Frances four-star linebacker Jaishawn Barham will pick between the Lions, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Maryland on Saturday at 3 p.m.
In other news, James Franklin and Mike Yurcich had their in-home visit with quarterback commit Beau Pribula yesterday evening.
Finally, transfer portal target Jacoby Windmon is leaving UNLV for Michigan State instead of the Lions.
Headlines of the day
Former Penn State, Harrisburg High OL Nate Bruce has a new college football home: Linder, PennLive
Des Holmes is in the transfer portal; how does it impact the Lions?: Pickel, BWI
Penn State Trustees Meeting on Thursday to Consider Presidential Appointment: Rushton, Statecollege.com
Mailbag: Realistic 2022 expectations; top-five surprises since regular season ended, more: BWI Staff
Outback Bowl unveils new trophy for Penn State’s matchup with Arkansas: Yoder, Daily Collegian
Penn State defensive coordinator hot board: Updated look at possible candidates: Bauer, BWI
Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby says shifting early signing period being discussed amid coaching carousel: Rittenberg, ESPN
Penn State in-home and in-school visits for final days of contact period: Snyder, BWI
Quote of the day
“That bond is still there. So, that is my overall plan. Get up here, do well, and get back to Penn State.”
