Penn State has added another experienced piece to its defensive front, landing a transfer portal commitment from UCLA defensive tackle Siale Taupaki.
247Sports first reported the news.
The veteran interior lineman reunites with Penn State DC D’Anton Lynn and defensive line coach Ikaika Malloe, both of which coached Taupaki during their time in LA.
Taupaki arrives in Happy Valley with one year of eligibility left, his eighth year overall, after appearing in 40 games across seven seasons at UCLA from 2019–25.
The 6-foot-4, 310-pound tackle has carved out a role as a physical, space-eating presence up front, totaling 38 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks during his collegiate career.
In 2025, Taupaki played in 12 games with one start, recording 15 tackles, nine total pressures, two tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery.
Taupaki was a more prominent fixture in 2024, appearing in all 12 games and starting seven times, finishing with 23 tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.His path has been unique, as he also spent the 2023 season contributing as a reserve offensive lineman and on special teams.
Taupaki becomes the latest defensive tackle addition in an active portal cycle for Penn State.
The Nittany Lions have also secured commitments from Keanu Williams (UCLA), Armstrong Nnodim (Oklahoma State), Alijah Carnell (Iowa State), and Dallas Vakalahi (Utah), while adding edge help in Colorado transfer Alexander McPherson.
Together, the group significantly bolsters Penn State’s defensive line depth and experience heading into 2026.
This was the second transfer portal commitment Penn State got within a half hour, with Boston College DB Omarion Davis.
