Three positions Penn State Football needs to target in the transfer portal

Penn State head coach James Franklin yells from the sideline after the Nittany Lions missed a 37-yard field goal in the first quarter against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College. The Nittany Lions won, 35-16.Hes Dr 112622 Psumsu /

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Abdul Carter #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3. Linebacker

Penn State Football got quality linebacker play this season, but some of that production may move on.

Jonathan Sutherland, who saw lots of action at SAM, is out of eligibility. Meanwhile, Curtis Jacobs, who played at both WILL and SAM could declare for the draft.

While breakout freshman Abdul Carter will likely take over at the WILL, the same position could be wide open. Incoming 4-star recruit Tony Rojas could battle for the job along with Dominic DeLuca, but the Nittany Lions may swing big here.

If a star outside linebacker enters the portal, Penn State should consider targeting them and give Carter some reinforcements at linebacker.

Now, if Jacobs does come back, Penn State likely won’t need to target linebackers in the portal. The bigger issue for Penn State would be finding a way to get Carter and Jacobs on the field together.

The MIKE position could also be upgraded, but Tyler Elsdon and Kobe King have improved as the season has gone on. These two are more than capable of being a steady presence in the middle of a defense loaded with young talent.

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