Penn State football is approaching a pivotal moment in its offseason. As the second NCAA transfer portal window opens on April 17 and runs through April 25, head coach James Franklin and his staff must brace for potential departures—and possibly make a few late additions. With spring practice still ongoing and the annual Blue-White game set for April 26, the timing of this portal window couldn’t be more precarious.
Unlike the winter transfer window, which spans 30 days and is often a flurry of activity following bowl season, this spring period is much shorter but still significant. It gives players who participated in spring practice a chance to reassess their depth chart standing and make a move if playing time appears unlikely in the fall. For programs like Penn State, which have high expectations for 2025, it’s also a time to patch lingering roster holes.
One area to watch is the wide receiver room. While the Nittany Lions landed Julian Fleming from Ohio State in the winter portal window, the position remains relatively thin behind the top few contributors. If a veteran receiver currently buried on the depth chart feels squeezed out, a post-spring exit wouldn’t be shocking. Similarly, the staff could explore portal options to add one more consistent outside threat to complement Fleming and KeAndre Lambert-Smith.
Another position of interest is offensive line. Penn State lost multiple veterans to graduation and the NFL Draft, and while they’ve developed some promising young talent, the depth behind the starting five is still a question mark. If a starting-caliber tackle or guard becomes available, expect Franklin and his staff to pounce. On the flip side, don’t be surprised if one or two current second-string linemen seek opportunities elsewhere.
The defensive backfield is another spot where attrition is possible. Penn State has recruited heavily at corner and safety, bringing in elite talent over the last few cycles. With so many young, high-upside players pushing for time, a veteran or two may look to enter the portal in search of a guaranteed starting role elsewhere. Still, Franklin’s group appears to have strong chemistry, which could help mitigate potential departures.
Quarterback movement is always a hot topic during portal windows, but for Penn State, things seem relatively stable. Drew Allar is entrenched as the starter, and Beau Pribula is locked in as the backup with a dynamic skillset that complements Allar’s. Unless a third-stringer chooses to move on for playing time, the room should remain intact.
On defense, linebacker depth is an ongoing concern. The starters are solid, but if injuries hit, things could unravel quickly. Franklin could use this portal window to add a rotational linebacker with experience. The market might be thinner than it was in the winter, but productive veterans from Group of Five schools could become available and provide instant help.
One of the biggest challenges during the spring portal window is the overlap with practice. While Franklin continues to install schemes and evaluate talent through April, he and his staff also have to manage exit interviews and track the portal in real time. It’s a difficult balance, especially with the spring game looming just one day after the window closes.
Roster math is another factor in all of this. Penn State is close to the 85-scholarship limit, meaning any additions must be preceded by subtractions. That reality makes this window especially unpredictable—every departure opens the door for a new opportunity. The staff must be nimble, strategic, and transparent in how they manage those scholarship slots.
Franklin has long preached the importance of roster retention and culture, but even he knows the current college football landscape demands flexibility. The portal has transformed roster management into a year-round exercise. For Penn State, which has its eyes on a Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth, smart moves in this window could be the difference between great and elite.
In past years, Penn State has shown it can navigate these turbulent waters effectively. The additions of key contributors like Chop Robinson and Hunter Nourzad from previous portal cycles prove that the program can identify and integrate impact talent quickly. If similar opportunities arise in the coming days, expect the staff to act fast.
Ultimately, the next 10 days will offer clarity on where Penn State stands heading into summer workouts. Some faces will change, but the mission remains the same: build a championship-caliber roster. Whether that means fending off poachers, plugging depth chart holes, or welcoming surprise late additions, the Nittany Lions are on high alert—and the portal clock is ticking.