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Penn State Football

Transfer Portal: Star LB Visiting Penn State

Penn State has an easy opening to the season, and coach James Franklin wants it that way
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: James Franklin

In transfer portal news, a big-time player at a position of need for Penn State is visiting the school next weekend.

Per reports from Pete Nakos of On3Sports among others, North Carolina LB Amare Campbell is visiting PSU.

Campbell would be a big get for Penn State.

The 6-foot, 230-pounder had 76 tackles for Carolina last season to go along with 6.5 sacks.

Penn State could also use another LB, especially on the inside. With three-year starter Kobe King departing for the NFL, there isnโ€™t a clear front runner for Penn Stateโ€™s MIKE linebacker position. Although Campbell doesnโ€™t play exclusively on the inside, he started five games there last season per Pro Football Focus.

FRANKLINโ€™S PLEA

Penn State coach James Franklin would hate to cut players but has a plan in place if it has to happen.

Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: James Franklin

In his post-Blue-White Game press conference, coach James Franklin made it clear that Penn State would like to add another linebacker before fall camp.

James Franklin Makes Plea to Find Linebacker in Transfer Portal

โ€œIf thereโ€™s a linebacker out there that wants to come and be a part of our program and play for LBU, the most historic linebacker program in the history of college football, thereโ€™s an opportunity here to join the room and compete,โ€ Franklin said. โ€œI think weโ€™ve got enough in the room, but to get through an entire season, if we get some injuries, it could get challenging. So weโ€™re gonna look at the portal, see if we can find a solution.โ€

BUILDING TOWARD THE FUTURE

If Penn State does land Campbell, it could help the team not only in 2025 but in the future, too. He has at least two seasons of eligibility left, maybe even three depending on how the current house settlement goes.

Of course, if Campbell were to come to Penn State and ball out, he could play himself into the 2026 Draft.

With or without Campbell from the transfer portal, Penn State will open its 2025 season against Nevada Aug. 30 at Beaver Stadium.

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