Matt Campbell has been officially introduced as the 17th head coach in Penn State Football History. (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)
The Nittany Lions have gained another player via the transfer portal. Today, UCLA transfer Siale Taupaki announced his commitment to Penn State.
Taupaki has one year of eligibility left. The veteran began his long career at UCLA in 2019. He was afforded a two medical redshirts, the COVID year, and a standard redshirt.
Taupaki will follow Defensive Line Coach Ikaika Malloe from Los Angeles to State College.
The Taupaki File: What Does he Bring to the Table?
Coming out of high school in the class of 2019, Taupaki was rated as a 3-star prospect in the class of 2019. At the time, he held several offers from power five schools.
The six foot four 310 pounder did not log any stats until 2024. However, he made appearances in the years prior to 2024.
In the 2024 season, Taupaki recorded 23 total tackles and a sack. Taupaki followed the 2024 season up with another good year in 2025. He notched 15 total tackles and a sack in 2025 with the Bruins.
As is the case with Defensive Tackles, stats don’t tell the full story. Taupaki is a very strong defender who can control gaps. He’s a very proven, reliable defender as Matt Campbell and Ikaika Malloe retool the Defensive Line.
Ian Purdy covers Penn State Football Recruiting for NittanyCentral.
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
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