Penn State roster tracker: Portal comings and goings, offers, NFL Draft decisions, and more

Penn State will see its roster change in the weeks between now and when it takes on Utah in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2 to end the 2022 season. The transfer portal is now open. It means that undergraduates can begin searching for their new college home starting on Dec. 5. The window is open through Jan. 28, 2023.

Besides that, NFL Draft decisions must be made. And, seniors who have a free year of eligibility from the NCAA because of the coronavirus pandemic must decide if they want to use it or not.

Penn State will lose players and possibly welcome them during this period of time that is new across college football for the first time this winter.

“It’s to solve problems where you know you have some immediate holes that you have to fill,” Franklin said of the portal. And then also what can factor into it is how many guys that you have go into the Transfer Portal, that could create some challenges as well. So it’s really kind of on both ends.

“That’s why we’re trying to have as many conversations now, so there’s no surprises. We would like everybody to be as transparent as possible in both directions. So that everybody kind of can be prepared. This is also a small industry. We kind of all know each other. So it’s amazing what you can find out too if you’re willing to look and listen.”

Here’s where things stand as of Dec. 6.

Which Penn State players have potential NFL decisions to make?

Here’s the list:

OT Olu Fashanu — The left tackle announced on Nov. 28 that he would be back with the Lions in 2023.

“For the last three years, I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to be around a group of extremely hardworking individuals,” Fashanu wrote on Twitter. “Everyone in this program has pushed me to become a better football player, and more importantly, a better man. Having the opportunity to play in Beaver Stadium in front of the best fans in the world this past year has been great and I will never forget the moments that were created with this team this season.

“Although playing in the NFL is a goal of mine, there is still more that I want to achieve personally and collectively as a program. After several conversations with my parents and coaches, I will be returning to Penn State for the 2023 season. I want to thank my family, teammates and coaches who have helped me get to this point in my life. My work here is far from over and I look forward to getting back to work with my brothers.”

WR Parker Washington – No announcement as of Dec. 6.

LB Curtis Jacobs – No announcement as of Dec. 6.

CB Joey Porter Jr. — Porter Jr., said on Nov. 30 that he would be foregoing the bowl game and instead starting to prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft. He aims to be the first Penn State defensive back to ever go in the first round. A unanimous All-Big Ten pick, Porter Jr., figures to end up on All-American teams, as well.

OT Caedan Wallace – No announcement as of Dec. 6.

TE Brenton Strange – No announcement as of Dec. 6.

OL Juice Scruggs — No announcement as of Dec. 6.

Which Lions have entered the transfer portal?

Former backup but current third-string quarterback Christian Veilleux was the first Lion to announce his plans to enter the portal. He did so back on Nov. 29 and then officially entered it on Monday. Defensive end Rodney McGraw signaled his intention to do so on Dec. 4 and entered it on Dec. 5. And, corner Jeffrey Davis Jr., did so on Dec. 5. None of those players have found their landing spot as of Dec. 6.

Other former Penn State football players in the transfer portal include offensive tackle Maleek McNeil, defensive lineman Ken Talley, running back Caziah Holmes, and long snapper Michael Wright.

It is of note that back Devyn Ford, who left the Lions in October for undisclosed reasons, is not yet in the portal.

Who has Penn State offered in the portal?

Dec. 6 – The Lions offered Kent State receiver and Pennsylvania native Dante Cephas on the first day, as well as Alabama corner Khyree Jackson. Cephas netted 48 catches for 744 yards and three touchdowns. Jackson, meanwhile, has 14 career stops over two seasons with the Crimson Tide. Penn State also offered former Philadelphia defensive lineman Elijah Jeudy, who is leaving Texas A&M. Jeudy played sparingly in his time at A&M, but is up over 290 pounds now, making him an interior prospect.

It should be noted that former Oregon WR Don’te Thornton also holds an offer from the Lions. Although he hasn’t admitted publicly that PSU or any school has offered, he’s currently believed to be Penn State’s most important portal target.

Dec. 7 – Penn State extended an offer to former Arizona wide receiver Dorian Singer. A former walk-on, Singer totaled 66 receptions for 1,105 yards and six touchdowns this past season. Arkansas, Arizona State, Colorado, Miami and Utah were a few other notable schools who offered after he entered the portal.