Penn State has several talented players that Notre Dame football should keep a close eye on if they opt for the Transfer Portal
Penn State is in transition after HC James Franklin was fired this past weekend. That could mean some talented players entering the portal this offseason.
The Penn State Nittany Lions are now in a head coaching search after parting ways with James Franklin this past weekend. Whenever coaching changes happen, there is typically some roster turnover that follows. That is the wonderful world of NIL and the Transfer Portal that we all live in and love, or hate and wish it were different.
For this Penn State roster, there is a ton of talent on it, which is a credit to Coach Franklin and his staff. While none have announced intentions to enter the portal, there is sure to be a good amount of entrants down the road. For Notre Dame and head coach Marcus Freeman you are always trying to strengthen your roster, and that includes transfers.
Here are some Nittany Lions players I would keep a close eye on if they did choose to transfer. Each would bring some real value to the Fighting Irish if they decided to find a new home next offseason.
TE Luke Reynolds (So.)
Senior tight end Eli Raridon has been extremely productive for Notre Dame so far this season. In six games, the 6-7, 250-pound pass catcher has managed to haul in 20 receptions for 342 yards, an average of 17.1 yards per reception. Outside of Raridon, the rest of the Notre Dame tight ends have managed to make just four receptions for 19 yards. Depth is a problem, especially impact depth, and Reynolds is the type of talent that could add stability and a ceiling to a young group next season.
EDGE Chaz Coleman (Fr.)
The freshman pass rusher hasn’t played a ton in 2025, but when he has, he’s been extremely impressive. At 6-4 and 239 pounds, Coleman has an extremely high ceiling. He’s also the type of twitched up pass rusher who can develop into a difference maker down the road. While depth isn’t an issue at defensive end, you can never have enough talented pass rushers. I would absolutely give Coleman a look if I was Notre Dame.
CB Zion Tracy (Jr.)
Over the last three seasons, Notre Dame has opted to go to the Transfer Portal for their starting nickel. It’s possible that streak ends with freshman Dallas Golden and sophomore Karson Hobbs getting a ton of opportunities so far this season, but you never know. If they do entertain the portal again, Tracy would be a tremendous addition. He’s been a bit banged up this season, but Tracy has been quite good when healthy the last two seasons. You could make a strong argument that the 5-11, 180-pound defensive back would be the most talented nickel the Fighting Irish have had in several years.
S Dejuan Lane (So.)
If the name sounds familiar, it should. Lane was a key recruiting target for Notre Dame back in the 2024 class. The Irish staff loved Lane at the time, excited about the talent that the 6-2, 203-pound safety brought to the table. The Maryland native has become a valuable rotational player over the last two seasons, collecting 30 total tackles, one interception, three pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. The Irish defense will be losing Jalen Stroman this offseason, and don’t be shocked if they lose another couple of players from a deeper safety depth chart.
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