Just because the transfer portal window closed doesn’t mean players still can’t commit, and Penn State has landed a quarterback.
Tyler Calvurso of Lions247 reported Thursday evening that Penn State has received a commitment from Connor Barry, who entered the portal from Division III Christopher Newport.
This is an unconventional move.
Penn State isn’t known to pick up transfer portal talent from the Division III level. But it’s hard to ignore Barry’s numbers. Over his college career, Barry has thrown for 5,561 yards, 83 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. Barry also isn’t a conventional DIII recruit.
He started his college career at the DI level, playing for Appalachian State in 2022.
After a year there, he transferred to Christopher Newport.
In 2024, he became the team’s starting quarterback.
This past season, Barry was a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, which is the DIII version of the Heisman. He ended the year with 2,866 passing yards, 35 touchdowns and six interceptions, helping Christopher Newport to a 10-1 record and DIII playoff appearance.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.In talking with On3Sports, Barry was honest about what his role on this Penn State team would be.
“They’re looking for me to compete for the backup job,” Barry told Blue-White Illustrated before visiting Penn State.
Barry’s commitment also means that Penn State (likely) has its quarterback room set for the 2026 season.
Iowa State transfer Rocco Becht, also in his last season of eligibility, is the clear favorite to be the starter.
Behind Beck is Alex Manske, a former blue-chip recruit who had been with Iowa State, as well as true freshmen Kase Evans, who initially signed with Iowa State, and Peyton Falzone, who came to Penn State the traditional way out of high school.
Walk-on Jack Lambert is the only returning QB from last year’s roster.
