Penn State is raiding the Iowa State roster in the transfer portal

Perhaps a new nickname is in store for Penn State in the 2026 season. The Penn State Nittany Cyclones feels appropriate given the massive haul of transfer portal commitments to Penn State on Sunday. In all, Penn State secured transfer portal commitments from 15 players who have decided to follow Matt Campbell and a number of assistant coaches to Happy Valley.

Among the latest transfer portal commitments on Sunday included defensive lineman Alijah Carnell, linebackers Kooper Ebel and Cael Brezina, wide receiver Karon Brookins, and offensive lineman Trevor Buhr. All of the transfer portal commitments on the board for Penn State, so far, have come from Iowa State following the coaching change that brought Campbell and many of his key assistants to Penn State. There could certainly be more on the way, but the transfers are already helping to shape how the Nittany Lions are going to look in 2026.

Advertisement

Most notably, the offense will have some former Iowa State players likely step into some leading roles right away. The quarterback position has been addressed with the addition of Rocco Bect, who passed for 2,584 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 8 more touchdowns last season. Becht's backup, Alex Manske, is also coming to Penn State to join the incoming Class of 2026 quarterbacks, Peyton Falzone and Kase Evans (a former Iowa State commitment), to help rebuild the quarterback room.

Penn State is also adding Iowa State's leading rusher, Carson Hansen, and leading receiver Brett Eskilsden and tight ends Benjamin Brahmer and Gabe Burkle (3 of the top 4 receiving yardage leaders for Iowa State in 2025). Penn State's new offensive line with have a clear Iowa State influence as well with portal additions of Will Tompkins, Trevor Buhr, and Kuol Kuol II.

Penn State's defense is also getting some Iowa State flair added to it. Penn State is already bringing back a star in Tony Rojas but also will be adding Iowa State's top linebackers Kooper Ebel and Caleb Bacon to the mix. The secondary will get some immediate help with All-Big 12 safety Marcus Neal Jr.

Penn State's work in the transfer portal will continue, and more Iowa State players could still be on the way. Penn State also still has a large number of players sitting in the transfer portal, with a few already committing to play elsewhere. The transfer window will remain open through Jan. 16.

Advertisement

Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State's early transfer portal activity raids Iowa State roster