WATCH: Penn State football HC James Franklin after loss to Ohio State
Franklin’s losing streak to Ohio State continues as the Nittany Lions suffer their first loss of the season.
Penn State football needed a player to solidify an already promising defense, and the Nittany Lions secured a commitment from the top linebacker in the portal, Amare Campbell.
Campbell comes from North Carolina, where he recorded 90 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in two years for the Tar Heels. His sophomore season was especially productive as he recorded 76 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
The 6-foot, 230-pound linebacker had entered the transfer portal after the 2024 season, but withdrew his name after Bill Belichick was hired as head coach. Campbell then entered the portal again after spring practice, where he ultimately ended up in Happy Valley.
Penn State has been building momentum on the defensive side of the ball ever since Jim Knowles came over from Ohio State, but with Abdul Carter and Kobe King taking their talents to the NFL, the Nittany Lions wanted to ensure the linebacker position was strong. They were in contention for both Campbell and Rutgers transfer Mohamed Toure. It remains to be seen if Toure is still on the table, but Knowles and head coach James Franklin have their linebacker.
The feeling is mutual as Campbell posted “LBU” as his caption on Instagram, a nod to the success Penn State has had developing helping linebackers reach their full potential.
Aside from Campbell, the Nittany Lions made it a priority to address the holes in other positions, namely wide receiver. Penn State brought in Kyron Hudson, Devonte Ross, and Trebor Pena via the portal to address the poor production outside the numbers in 2024. They spared no expense making sure quarterback Drew Allar has everything he could possibly need to lead an offense many predict to be one of the best in college football next season.
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