After signing just two players in the Class of 2026 during the early signing period, Penn State and new head coach Matt Campbell have a good amount of work to do to build the roster for next season. The transfer portal could be a key part of the plan to build up the roster and fill some immediate gaps. Of course, Penn State is also expected to see some players opt to leave the program, or at least explore their transfer options, this offseason. It could be quite a busy time for the transfer portal in Happy Valley wiht players potentially coming and going during the flurry of roster moves.
We will be keeping track of every Penn State football player entering the NCAA transfer portal, as well as any players that ultimately transfer to Penn State from another program.
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The NCAA transfer portal is officially open from Jan. 2 through Jan. 16.
You can also check out our Class of 2026 tracker for more Penn State roster developments.
LEAVING: Joey Schlaffer, Tight End
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Joey Schlaffer (18) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Entered transfer portal: 11/5
Tight end Joey Schlaffer was the first player to seemingly make the decision to jump in the transfer portal following the firing of James Franklin as head coach of the Nittany Lions. The former three-star in-state recruit was removed from the roster in early November.
LEAVING: Elliot Washington II, Cornerback
Oct 18, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Elliot Washington II (9) returns a blocked field goal attempt by Iowa Hawkeyes kicker Drew Stevens (not pictured) 35 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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Entered transfer portal: 12/11
Former four-star recruit Elliot Washingotn II is on the move this offseason. Prior to committing to Penn State, Washington was committed to Alabama. The Florida native was not a starter but has starter potential in the right spot.
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LEAVING: Chaz Coleman, Defensive End
Penn State true freshman defensive end Chaz Coleman (19) celebrates a play in the 34-0 victory over FIU in Beaver Stadium, Sept. 6, 2025.
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Entered transfer portal: 12/18
Perhaps the biggest name on the move from Penn State this year through the transfer portal could be star freshman Chaz Coleman. Coleman dazzled in his first season with the Nittany Lions as a four-star recruit (and 247Sports rates him as a five-star transfer, and the No. 1 overall transfer portal player). The Ohio native could head to Ohio State, in what would be a tough loss for Penn State.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State 2026 transfer portal tracker: Who is coming and going?
