Penn State lost nearly half of its players to the transfer portal following the firing of James Franklin, with those players landing at destinations all over the country.
While a group followed Franklin to Virginia Tech, others found fresh homes with new coaches, leading to opportunities for themselves and a chance to make a major impact in a new uniform.
Here’s some of the former Penn State players who could make the biggest impact with their new team.
Ethan Grunkemeyer, quarterback, Virginia Tech
One of the bigger names on the list, Ethan Grunkemeyer, followed Franklin and quarterback coach Danny O’Brien to Virginia Tech to be the starting quarterback.
In Grunkemeyer’s seven games as a starter last season, he continued showing growth, culminating in a career-high 260-yard performance in the Nittany Lions’ Pinstripe Bowl win against Clemson.
Grunkemeyer does have some competition at quarterback in Blacksburg — Franklin added former 4-star North Carolina quarterback Bryce Baker and true freshman Troy Huhn has impressed — but he’s the likely starter for the Hokies’ Week 1 game against VMI.
With a relatively light schedule, Grunkemeyer could produce at a high level in Franklin’s first year at Virginia Tech.
Jaxon Smolik, quarterback, Temple
Another quarterback who transferred out, Jaxon Smolik, stayed in Pennsylvania and transferred to Temple.
While Smolik didn’t see much time with the Nittany Lions, he proved his talent in Temple’s spring game, where he reportedly threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns on an 80% completion percentage.
Quarterback Jaxon Smolik (14) signs an autograph after the 2025 Blue-White Game at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The White team beat the Blue team 10-8.
Kate Hildebrand
Smolik was facing his teammates, but with Temple in a conference that has once again opened up due to coaching changes, he could find success with the Owls.
Penn State will see it firsthand in Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 12, when it takes on Smolik and Temple in Week 2.
Luke Reynolds, tight end, Virginia Tech
Luke Reynolds was highly regarded coming out of high school, ranking as one of the top tight ends in his class and a 4-star recruit to the Nittany Lions. With his potential and the trust he had with Franklin, he could be in for a big season as a familiar early target for Grunkemeyer at Virginia Tech.
Reynolds didn’t live up to expectations in his first year as a starter, where he notched just 257 yards and no touchdowns. With his athleticism and size, Reynolds’ production could take another jump if he proves to be a legitimate weapon for the Hokies’ offense.
TJ Shanahan Jr., offensive lineman, Florida
T.J. Shanahan Jr., one of Penn State’s most consistent offensive linemen from last season, will slot in as one of the guards at Florida after following Phil Trautwein to Gainesville.
With one of the top running backs in the country in Jadan Baugh, Shanahan could get more recognition if he’s able to lead the way for Baugh, building on a strong 2025 with the Nittany Lions.
Offensive lineman TJ Shanahan Jr. (54) blocks defenders as quarterback Drew Allar (15) looks to throw the ball during the Penn State football game against UCLA at the Rose Bowl Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 in Pasadena, Calif. The Bruins beat the Nittany Lions 42-37.
Samantha Oropeza
Amare Campbell, linebacker, Tennessee
Amare Campbell was one of the bigger losses for Penn State in the offseason, as he chose to follow defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and a few other Nittany Lions to Tennessee.
Campbell was a pure ball hawk with the Nittany Lions, totaling 103 tackles. He was the top linebacker and could be the same for the Volunteers.
With the comfortability in Knowles’ defense already, Campbell’s transition to his third team in three years could be easier than this past season, coming with even higher production in the SEC.
A.J. Harris, cornerback, Indiana
A.J. Harris didn’t have a strong year with Penn State last season, but Harris could find himself again with Indiana, the reigning national champions.
Indiana has had a lot of success at cornerback under Curt Cignetti, and Harris has the talent to put it all together with the Hoosiers. He proved his talents in his first year, 2025, with the Nittany Lions — the best season of his collegiate career.
Cornerback A.J. Harris (4) tackles the ball carrier at the White Out against Washington on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions beat the Huskies 35-6.
Sienna Pinney
After some roster turnover from the national championship team, Harris could make a major impact with Indiana and get himself back into NFL draft conversations.
Dejuan Lane, safety, Tennessee
Dejuan Lane rounds out the list and is also making his way to Knoxville, joining Campbell and edge rusher Chaz Coleman. While Coleman’s expectations are up in the air right now, Lane could assert himself as a top safety for the Volunteers.
Tennessee’s defense hasn’t necessarily been known to have big time playmakers, but with Knowles now at the helm as the defensive coordinator, a player like Lane could make an immediate impact.
Lane was hyped up during his freshman year, and though he wasn’t talked about as much during his sophomore year, he still had a strong season, giving him an opportunity to continue to grow in a new home.
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Penn State’s recruiting news was minimal last week, but plenty happened behind the scenes.
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