Who is the new head coach at Penn State football?

Matt Campbell is the new head coach of Penn State football.

Which quarterbacks left Penn State after the 2025 season?

Drew Allar is headed to the NFL, while Ethan Grunkemeyer, Bekkem Kritza, and Jaxon Smolik entered the transfer portal.

Will Penn State use the transfer portal for new quarterbacks?

Yes, new head coach Matt Campbell is expected to heavily use the transfer portal to rebuild the quarterback room.

Home / Sports / Penn State QB Room Revolution: All Depart for 2026

Penn State QB Room Revolution: All Depart for 2026

4 Jan

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Summary

Penn State's quarterback room will be entirely new in 2026.
All four scholarship quarterbacks from the 2025 season are gone.
New coach Matt Campbell faces a massive rebuilding task at QB.

Penn State QB Room Revolution: All Depart for 2026

The Penn State Nittany Lions' quarterback room is set for a complete overhaul in 2026. Drew Allar is off to the NFL, and three other quarterbacks, including recent starter Ethan Grunkemeyer, have entered the transfer portal. Freshman Bekkem Kritza and redshirt sophomore Jaxon Smolik also departed, leaving walk-on Jack Lambert as the only returning quarterback.

This mass exodus leaves new head coach Matt Campbell with a significant rebuilding task. Unlike his predecessor, James Franklin, who rarely utilized the transfer portal for quarterbacks, Campbell is expected to heavily recruit from it to fill the void. This approach reflects the evolving landscape of college football and the immediate needs of the program.

Campbell, known for developing quarterbacks like Brock Purdy at Iowa State, will aim to leverage his resources at Penn State. The arrival of Rocco Becht from the transfer portal is anticipated to ease the transition, as the quarterback-coach relationship is paramount to Campbell's philosophy.