Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) scrambles from North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Amare Campbell (17) during the first half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Penn State Football and Linebackers. A tale as old as time.
Recently, Penn State has been hauling in Linebacker commitments on the recruiting trail. Tuesday, Penn State Football gained a Transfer Portal Commitment.
North Carolina transfer, Amare Campbell has announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions.
Campbell chose Penn State over SMU.
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Amare Campbell’s History
Amare Campbell comes into Penn State as a Junior. Meaning he will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Over his career at North Carolina, Campbell proved productive for the Tar Heels. During his two years in Chapel Hill, he tallied 90 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, one interception, and a forced fumble.
Campbell’s most impactful year came last season. During the 2024 campaign, Campbell recorded 76 total tackles (45 solo), 6.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

Amare Campbell is ranked as the second-best Linebacker in the Transfer Portal according to ON3 Industry Rankings.
As a prep prospect, Campbell was not a huge recruit. Campbell was slotted as an ON3 Industry three-star. He held offers from North Carolina, West Virginia, Duke, Maryland, and others. Obviously, he chose the Tar Heels, and that paid off for Campbell with his appearance in 11 games as a true freshman. He turned that into a full-time starting role as a sophomore for North Carolina.
Landing Amare Campbell is a huge development for Penn State Football. After James Franklin made the plea for Transfer Portal help at Linebacker, Amare Campbell helps fulfill that need.
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BREAKING: 2026 Linebacker Mathieu Lamah Commits to Penn State
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Penn State Football Defensive Depth Chart Projection: Post-Spring Transfer Portal Shake-Up
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