Penn State football star linebacker Amare Campbell entered his name in the Transfer Portal on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Campbell enters the portal after playing just one season for the Nittany Lions. Following linebacker Tony Rojas' season-ending injury, Campbell stepped up into a huge role. With his name now in the portal, he becomes one of Penn State's biggest losses yet.
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Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell enters the Transfer Portal
In his announcement posted on social media, Campbell took a slight jab at the Nittany Lions. He said that though it hurts to leave Penn State, he can't allow himself to be undervalued. Campbell wrote:
"This one hurts man ... Leaving Carolina unexpectedly, a place I truly loved. I came to Penn State and fell in love with the insane fans, the culture, and everything this place stands for. Playing in huge games here meant everything to me.
"Unfortunately, once again, I find myself in a situation where I can't allow myself to be undervalued. I have to do what's best for my family, my future, and myself. With that being said, I'll be entering my name into the Transfer Portal."
Campbell paired his statement with the caption, "Work for yours, Thank you Penn State," likely referring to him prioritizing his future and taking control of it as much as possible.
Work for yours, Thank you Penn State! pic.twitter.com/s9j5u0GRiG
— Amare🐐 (@amareGcampbell) January 4, 2026
Campbell, who's entering his final year of eligibility, may have been Penn State's most important transfer signee in 2025. He earned the starting job at middle linebacker and led the team in tackles with 103. His usage only increased when Rojas went down, and the team relied on him much more.
At the conclusion of the season, Campbell was named a third-team All-Big Ten selection. He led the Nittany Lions with 103 tackles and also tabbed 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one fumble recovery over 13 games.
"I feel like I had a good season," Campbell said after the Rutgers game, according to Penn State Nittany Lions on SI. "I felt like I fixed a lot of things that I needed to work on being at Chapel Hill and I learned a lot. With Jim Knowles a lot, I feel like I learned a lot of football."
Campbell joins a long list of Nittany Lions in the Transfer Portal. On defense, that includes cornerback A.J. Harris, safety King Mack, and defensive end Zuriah Fisher.