As Franklin said before hiring Allen last year, Penn State's defense is not in rebuild mode. The program is about winning now, which the returns of Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki have foreshadowed. Franklin is chasing hardware next season, and the defensive coordinator hire will reflect that.

Penn State’s defensive coordinator position remains open as of early Wednesday afternoon. James Franklin must replace Tom Allen, the former Indiana head coach who spent one season with the Nittany Lions before taking the Clemson defensive coordinator job earlier this week.

The NCAA transfer portal winter cycle for the 2025 college football season officially opened on Dec. 9. WGAL is here to keep you updated on Penn State's transfer portal activity for the winter cycle below.

Penn State football lost Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans to the transfer portal following the Nittany Lions loss in the Orange Bowl.

Wide receiver has been a contentious position for Penn State football, and one of the top players at that position has decided to find a new home. Junior wide receiver Omari Evans announced that he was entering the transfer portal.