One Penn State transfer stands out, and it's not a wide receiver

Penn State head coach James Franklin isn't one to build his team around the Transfer Portal, but that doesn't mean he's not methodical in using it to his advantage.

The additions at wideout with Trebor Pena, Devonte Ross, and Kyron Hudson have been at the forefront of conversation, especially considering that position is what the Nittany Lions failed to capitalize on in 2024. However, linebacker Amare Campbell shouldn't be overlooked.

On3 created its 2025 Preseason All-Transfer Portal Team and instead of feeding into the wide receiver hype, it opted to throw Campbell into one of the 22 spots.

Campbell was another specific position Franklin made sure to use the Transfer Portal for. Ta'Mere Robinson transferred to USC in April after recording 11 tackles and half of a sack in 2024.

On3 names linebacker Amare Campbell to its 2025 Preseason All-Transfer Portal Team

"The Nittany Lions got aggressive and picked up North Carolina transfer [Campbell], edging out SMU. Campbell has come in and quickly emerged as a leader in the linebacker room," On3's Pete Nakos wrote. "In two seasons in Chapel Hill, the linebacker posted 90 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two deflections and a forced fumble and interception. That includes a breakout 2024 season with 11 tackles for loss."

Campbell, like Pena, came to State College later than most transfers. While strength coach Chuck Losey said the staff knew what the linebacker was capable of and wasn't worry about his transition into the Penn State program, he said before fall camp that he came in slightly under-conditioned compared to the wide receiver.

After two seasons with North Carolina, the rising junior will have two years of eligibility left with with the Nittany Lions. Franklin is losing defensive keys Dominic DeLuca, Dani Dennis-Sutton, and Zane Durant as well as Alonzo Ford Jr. and Zuriah Fisher.

Specifically at linebacker, Campbell came to Penn State at seemingly the perfect time. Kobe King, now with the Minnesota Vikings, leaving for the NFL after the 2024 season left the position group thin. The junior transfer has been filling that middle linebacker spot for the Nittany Lions and should be an intricate piece to defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' scheme.

Campbell and fellow junior linebacker Tony Rojas will be even more significant to the defensive line in 2026 once that batch of defensemen move on from Penn State. Rojas posted 58 tackles, six tackles for loss, seven passes defensed, four pass break-ups, three interceptions (one for a touchdown), and one sack in 2025.