The college football world is constantly changing, and sometimes, that means players seek greener pastures elsewhere. It's a tough reality when a player's potential doesn't quite align with their current team's needs. And that's exactly what's happening with Penn State linebacker DaKaari Nelson. He's decided to transfer, becoming the thirty-eighth former Nittany Lion to find a new football home. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this a sign of a deeper issue within the Penn State program, or simply the natural churn of college athletics in the age of the transfer portal? Let's dive into the details.
DaKaari Nelson, a promising linebacker, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal and will be heading to N.C. State, according to On3 reports. Nelson initially announced his intention to transfer back on January 3rd. After carefully considering his options, the Livingston, Alabama native will be reuniting with former Penn State teammate and safety King Mack at N.C. State. Think of it like a former coworker joining you at a new company – the familiarity can definitely help with the transition.
Nelson's decision likely stems from a desire for more playing time. At Penn State, he faced a challenging path to climb the depth chart, especially with the program's strong linebacker room. This year would have marked his fourth season in college. He spent time at both safety and linebacker but struggled to consistently crack the starting rotation at either position. An injury in 2024 further hampered his progress. And this is the part most people miss: It's not always about talent. Sometimes, it's about opportunity and fit. Nelson's skills might be a better match for N.C. State's defensive scheme.
Looking at the numbers, Nelson has only played 72 defensive snaps throughout his career, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), with only two of those snaps occurring in 2025. However, he was a significant contributor on special teams, logging 193 snaps in 2025 and a total of 370 special teams snaps throughout his Penn State career. Special teams are often overlooked, but they are a crucial part of the game, and Nelson clearly made an impact there. It's also important to remember that playing time isn't the only factor in a player's development. The experience gained in practice and on special teams can still be invaluable.
Here's a comprehensive list of the other Penn State players who have entered the transfer portal:
Quarterback (3):
* Bekkem Kritza
* Ethan Grunkemeyer – Virginia Tech
* Jaxon Smolik – Temple
Running Back (3):
* Corey Smith
* Jabree Coleman – South Carolina
* Tikey Hayes
Wide Receiver (7):
* Aaron Enterline – Towson
* Anthony Ivey
* Kaden Saunders – Southern Miss
* Jeff Exinor – Virginia Tech
* Josiah Brown
Tight End (4):
* Joey Schlaffer – Temple
* Luke Reynolds – Virginia Tech
* Matt Henderson – Virginia Tech
* Andrew Olesh – Oregon
Offensive Line (6):
* TJ Shanahan – Florida
* Alex Birchmeier – Liberty
* J’Ven Williams – Charlotte
* Eagan Boyer – Florida
Defensive End (6):
* Chaz Coleman – Tennessee
* Daniel Jennings – Virginia Tech
* Zuriah Fisher – USC
* Jaylen Harvey – North Carolina
* Cortez Harris – Virginia Tech
* Mylachi Williams – Virginia Tech
Defensive Tackle (6):
* Xavier Gilliam – Tennessee
* Sam Siafa
* Owen Wafle – Duke
* Kaleb Artis – Temple
Linebacker (5):
* Kari Jackson
* Keon Wylie – Virginia Tech
* Anthony Speca – Purdue
* DaKaari Nelson – N.C. State
* Amare Campbell – Tennessee
Cornerback (3):
* AJ Harris – Indiana
* Elliot Washington II – Clemson
* Kenny Woseley – Virginia Tech
Safety (7):
* Braz Thomas
* Karson Kiesewetter
* Antoine Belgrave-Shorter – Arizona State
* King Mack – N.C. State
* Kolin Dinkins – Temple
The sheer number of players transferring raises some eyebrows. Is Penn State failing to develop talent effectively? Or is this just the new normal in college football, where players are more empowered than ever to seek out the best opportunities for themselves? Perhaps it's a bit of both. What do you think? Are these transfers a cause for concern for Penn State fans, or simply a sign of the times? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
