Penn State Transfer Portal Tracker: Ranking the Departures Before the CFP Semifinals
As Penn State prepares for its College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal matchup against Notre Dame, the transfer portal has seen some activity involving the Nittany Lions. Despite their success this season, a few players have chosen to leave the program, though Penn State has been less active in the portal compared to other teams. Here’s a detailed look at the four players who entered the transfer portal before the semifinal game.
4. Feyisayo Oluleye, Wide Receiver
Oluleye, a walk-on wide receiver, originally joined Penn State after transferring from Robert Morris. During his two seasons with the Nittany Lions, he did not participate in any games. Earlier in the season, Oluleye entered the transfer portal but has yet to announce his next destination. He has one year of college eligibility remaining.
3. T.A. Cunningham, Defensive Lineman
Cunningham, a former three-star recruit, had a unique and tumultuous high school career, moving among several schools in Georgia. After spending one season with Penn State, he did not see any game action and used a redshirt year. Cunningham will take four years of eligibility with him to his next program, though he has not yet decided where he will play.
2. Jerry Cross, Tight End
Cross, a four-star recruit from Wisconsin, had a limited role during his three seasons at Penn State. He appeared in only two games during the 2024 season and had already utilized his redshirt year. Cross has two years of eligibility remaining and has announced his decision to transfer to Memphis. He is expected to see more playing time there compared to his limited opportunities at Penn State.
1. Beau Pribula, Quarterback
Pribula, a three-star recruit from Pennsylvania, had a significant role with the Nittany Lions over the past two seasons. Primarily used as a running quarterback, he rushed 94 times for 571 yards and 10 touchdowns while completing 37 of 56 passes for 424 yards, nine touchdowns, and one interception.
With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Pribula has chosen to transfer to Missouri, where he is expected to become the Tigers’ starting quarterback. Missouri’s senior quarterback, Brady Cook, is departing, making Pribula the likely successor. This transfer draws parallels to former Penn State quarterback Will Levis, who achieved success after transferring to Kentucky. Pribula could follow a similar trajectory in Missouri’s program.
Summary
Although Penn State has reached the CFP semifinals, the transfer portal activity highlights the challenges of retaining talent in a competitive college football environment. Each player has sought opportunities for more playing time or a fresh start elsewhere, and their next steps could prove piv
otal for their careers.