UNIVERSITY PARK — Six former Penn State football players have entered the portal since it opened on Wednesday, April 16.
The first to enter was guard JB Nelson, who announced his intention to transfer a few days before the portal opened. Nelson played in all 16 games for Penn State as a rotational player.
Vega Ioane and Sal Wormley were the main starters in 2024, with Cooper Cousins also helping out. Nelson’s departure is most likely a hint to the starters at the guard position next season being Cousins and Ioane.
Ta’Mere Robinson was the second to enter the portal, as a surprise to many. With the loss of Kobe King and the move to a 4-2-5 defense, Penn State’s linebacker room was in need of someone to step up and be the next Mike linebacker.
The consensus was that if it’s not Toni Rojas or Dom DeLuca repping the green dot, then it would be Robinson. Now, James Franklin will have to look elsewhere as Robinson will remain in the Big Ten and play for USC next season.
Another impact player, Jon Mitchell has also entered the portal and committed to play for Georgia Tech in 2025. Mitchell appeared in six games last season and garnered praise from Franklin throughout the year before he redshirted.
The cornerback was most likely in a battle with Kenny Woseley Jr., another freshman, for the final starting spot. The Nittany Lions cornerback room is one of its deepest and Mitchell was most likely looking for more playing time.
Two more defenders, Beckham Dee and Joseph Muypoyi, also entered the portal in the past week. Dee is a former walk-on at linebacker with no appearances for the Nittany Lions. Muypoyi, on the other hand, made two appearances in his true freshman season in 2024. He has already committed to Bill Belichick and UNC for 2025.
The final player to leave Penn State was kicker Chase Meyer. He joined the team prior to the 2024 season from Tulsa. This is his third time in the transfer portal after starting his career with Penn and Tulsa. Meyer has one year of eligibility remaining.
