Reunited: Marcus Neal Jr. follows Matt Campbell to State College to anchor the Nittany Lions' secondary in 2026. (Syndication: The Ames Tribune)
Former Iowa State safety Marcus Neal Jr. has committed to transferring to Penn State Football for the 2026 season.
Neal Jr. was a standout under Matt Campbell in 2025 at Iowa State, leading the Cyclones with 77 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, two interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
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Neal’s 11 tackles for a loss ranked eighth in the Big 12 this season. The rising junior has played in all 25 games for Iowa State during his two year career.
Neal Jr. is slated to become an instant starter at Penn State next season after Zakee Wheatley’s departure for the NFL and King Mack’s decision to enter the transfer portal.
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Originally in the 2024 recruiting class, Neal Jr. ranked as the 33rd-best safety in the nation as a four-star player according to 247Sports rankings. In the transfer portal, Neal Jr. ranks as the 70th overall prospect and the number six safety available.
The reunion with Matt Campbell could pay dividends for Penn State’s defense in 2026. Neal Jr. is an excellent run defender who plays well in the box.
New Penn State defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn will have an elite weapon that can get after players in the backfield from the safety position in 2026. With King Mack’s decision to transfer, Penn State can pair Neal Jr. with Dejuan Lane or dip into the transfer portal for another starter at the position.
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