Penn State has landed a former SEC offensive lineman from the transfer portal.
Friday afternoon, TJ Shanahan, who entered the portal from Texas A&M, announced via Instagram that’s he’s committed to Penn State.
Shanahan, a 6-foot-4, 315-pounder, played in 10 games as a redshirt freshman in 2024. One of the games he started was at center while the other four were at left guard. Penn State’s starting left guard for the 2024 season, Vega Ioane, has two seasons of eligibility remaining and was a force on the line all year. But Penn State loves versatility, and Shanahan has it. If nothing else, he’ll add depth to a unit that should again be formidable in 2025.
MORE ON SHANAHAN
COLLEGE STATION, TX – NOVEMBER 16: Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko shouts encouragement to Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman TJ Shanahan (67) after a penalty on third and one play during first half action during the football game between the New Mexico State Aggies and Texas A&M Aggies on November 16, 2024 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire)
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Shanahan came to Texas A&M after a standout career that started at West Lake High School in Austin, Texas, but ended at Timber Creek High School in Orlando, Florida. Penn State offered him in August 2020. His most recent recruiting rankings on 247Sports had him as a four-star recruit who was the No. 21 interior offensive lineman in the country from his class and the No. 53 overall player in Texas. Shanahan did play left tackle in high school which adds to his versatility. With that said, Penn State has Drew Shelton set to come back at left tackle and either Anthony Donkoh or Nolan Rucci are expected to be on the left side.
HIS BEST CHANCE TO START
Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Sal Wormley (77) November 12, 2022 David Hague/NSN
Shanahan hasn’t played a ton of right guard in college football but that might be his best path to starting at Penn State. Starting right guard Sal Wormley is the only one of PSU’s starting offensive linemen who for sure won’t be back since he is out of eligibility. But if nothing else, this is a solid get for OL coach Phil Trautwein and company because it adds depth.
Penn State’s next game is Saturday, Aug. 30 2025 against Nevada.
