Former Pitt wide receiver Kenny Johnson could be an ideal transfer portal target for Penn State and head coach Matt Campbell to build the offense around. (Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
Once Penn State Football head coach Matt Campbell was officially hired earlier in December, there was a high likelihood that quite a few Iowa State players would follow Coach Campbell from Ames to Happy Valley.
However, with Penn State looking to return to the College Football Playoff and replace a cadre of program record-setting seniors, Campbell will have to look beyond just former Cyclones to ensure Penn State’s 2026 roster is competitive in the Big Ten.
More Than a “Cyclone” Influx: Rebuilding Penn State’s Identity
With the transfer portal officially opening on Friday, January 2nd, here are five non-Iowa State Cyclones to look for Penn State to pursue in the transfer portal window in January.
The In-State Return: Kenny Johnson (WR, Pitt)
Former Pitt Panther and Dallastown, Pennsylvania, wide receiver Kenny Johnson is an intriguing in-state name for Penn State to pursue in the transfer portal window.
Johnson started 25 games for the Panthers over the past two seasons and has accumulated 1,354 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns in his three-year career. Johnson is also a dynamic returners, with both a kick return and punt return touchdown to his name over his three seasons.
Penn State is looking to become more explosive under Matt Campbell, and Johnson could give Penn State a dynamic option at wide receiver in 2026.
Defensive end Jayden Woods
Kansas native Jayden Woods was once committed to the Nittany Lions under James Franklin before flipping his commitment to Florida.
Now, after a productive true freshman season, Woods is hitting the transfer portal to find a new home. Could Penn State be an option again for the talented pass rusher?
Woods accumulated 28 tackles, five tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception in 2025.
Penn State has lost Chaz Coleman and Zuriah Fisher at the position to the transfer portal and could be looking to add another talented youngster to the mix heading into 2026.
The Blue-Chip Pivot: Nick Marsh (WR, Michigan State)
Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh will be one of the most sought-after receivers in the transfer portal window.
Penn State played a large part in Marsh’s original recruitment out of high school before Marsh ultimately chose Michigan State. With over 1,300 career yards and nine receiving touchdowns, Marsh would be an electric playmaker who is a plug-and-play starter for Matt Campbell to pursue.
The Workhorse: Cam Cook (RB, Jacksonville State)
Penn State is in a very interesting position at running back heading into 2026.
Penn State Football will be looking to replace not one but two four-year starters at the position that set all-time individual program records as a running back duo. With Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen off to the NFL, it would make sense for Matt Campbell to look to the transfer portal to bring in an experienced veteran at the position ahead of the 2026 season.
Cam Cook is an intriguing name, with over 2,000 career yards under his belt in three seasons at Jacksonville State. Cook had an exceptional 2025 season, amassing 1,659 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 13 games.
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The Lynn Factor: Devan Thompkins (DL, USC)
With USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn heading to Happy Valley next season, could he bring a player or players with him?
One intriguing veteran is defensive lineman Devan Thompkins.
Tompkins accumulated 31 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble from the defensive tackle position in 2025 with the Trojans.
Penn State could use competition at the defensive tackle position with Zane Durant heading to the NFL next season.
This week, Penn State started to get announcements from both players returning in 2026 and players electing to enter the transfer portal.
In the next few days before the portal officially opens on January 2nd, Penn State’s positions of need and priorities should become clearer as Matt Campbell gets a fuller picture of who will be remaining on the Nittany Lions roster next season.
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- 5 “Non-Cyclone” Transfer Portal Stars Matt Campbell Must Land for Penn State - January 2, 2026
- The Transfer Portal is Open: Matt Campbell’s 5-Point Plan to Save Penn State’s 2026 Roster - January 2, 2026
- Raiding Ames: 5 Iowa State Stars Matt Campbell Should Target for Penn State in the Transfer Portal - December 29, 2025
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