Penn State football head coach Matt Campbell acquired a second cornerback from the Transfer Portal. Redshirt freshman Ibn McDaniels from Syracuse joined former Iowa State freshman Hunter Sowell as future Nittany Lions. McDaniels announced his commitment late on Friday, Jan. 9.
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McDaniels was a former three-star cornerback from New Jersey, ranked 166th in his position and 1,220th overall from the Class of 2024, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. He was a two-way player in high school, logging 44 receptions for 744 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior and 35 tackles, three interceptions, and one pick six on defense.
At the time of his recruitment, the Nittany Lions hosted McDaniels for an Elite Showcase camp. However, the blue and white never extended an official offer to the then-high school player.
McDaniels had a visit to Happy Valley on Thursday, one day before the announcement of his commitment. While Temple also scheduled a visit with the cornerback, it was Penn State that won the battle in the portal. Tyler Calvaruso of 247Sports also reported that Kentucky and UConn were interested in McDaniels.
Committed🦁 #Weare #GoLions #lockdownU let’s go to work !!! pic.twitter.com/cG3ZuiUD4C
— Ibn McDaniels (@ibnmcdaniels1) January 9, 2026
Cornerback Ibn McDaniels commits to Penn State, transfers out of Syracuse
During his time with the Orange, McDaniels appeared in 15 games, four as a true freshman and 11 in 2025. In 2024, he registered two tackles and one tackle for loss. He had an additional two tackles as a redshirt freshman.
In the defensive back room, McDaniels joins safeties Marcus Neal Jr. and Jamison Patton. Other defensive players include edge rusher Alexander McPherson, defensive linemen Siale Taupaki, Dallas Vakalahi, Armstrong Nnodim, Keanu Williams, and Alijah Carnell, and linebackers Kooper Ebel, Cael Brezina, and Caleb Bacon. McDaniels is the 28th player Campbell pulled out of the Transfer Portal.
Since the portal opened, Penn State lost cornerbacks Kolin Dinkins, Elliot Washington II, Kenny Woseley, and A.J. Harris. These massive losses means defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn and Campbell will seek other defensive backs to join the current four committed. The Transfer Portal closes on Jan. 16, meaning they have roughly one week to corral more following McDaniels' commitment.