Penn State Football: Tight End Mega Barnwell No Longer With Program

Penn State’s tight end room lost a bit of depth on Monday evening following the departure of Mega Barnwell.

Barnwell, a first-year tight end with Penn State football, is no longer with the program, a Penn State Athletics spokesperson confirmed to Onward State Monday. Barnwell’s profile is also no longer listed on the team’s online roster.

Barnwell had a rocky road to Happy Valley as a former four-star recruit. He initially committed to the program in June 2020 as the program’s first pickup for its recruiting Class of 2023. Barnwell then later decommitted from the Nittany Lions in January 2021, though he eventually recommitted in September 2021. 

Barnwell enrolled early with Penn State, beginning his time in Happy Valley in January 2023. While the then 6’6″, 269-pounder felt big to play tight end, James Franklin was still interested in exploring his role with the team, either in a receiving role or one more involved on the offensive line.

While Barnwell was listed as a tight end for the 2023 Blue-White Game, he did not make a catch in his Beaver Stadium debut.