Owen Wafle’s brief stint at Michigan has officially come to an end, as the talented defensive lineman has decided to continue his college football career at Penn State. Wafle, who arrived in Ann Arbor as a promising recruit, redshirted during the 2024 season and did not see any game action. Despite the lack of playing time, he retains all four years of eligibility, making him a valuable long-term asset for the Nittany Lions.
#WeAre @coachjfranklin @DBarnes_18 @ZemaitisTouch_ @CoachAhmadPSU @djbryant13 @Red_Zone75 pic.twitter.com/gWNBH6i6lV
— Owen Wafle (@OwenWafle) January 12, 2025
The decision to transfer came shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 season, with Wafle entering the portal on January 2nd. His recruitment process included visits to Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Rutgers, and North Carolina, all of which presented compelling opportunities. Ultimately, Wafle chose Penn State, where he will join a program renowned for developing defensive talent and competing at the highest level of college football.
Penn State’s defensive line room received another boost earlier in the day with the announcement that star defensive tackle Zane Durant will return for his senior season. Durant’s decision to forgo the NFL Draft signals his belief in the Nittany Lions’ potential to contend for a national championship in 2025. Wafle’s commitment adds even more depth and competition to a unit poised to once again develop into one of the stronger units in the nation.
Penn State gets its first big win of the offseason: defensive tackle Zane Durant, a breakout performer this fall, is returning the for 2025 seasonhttps://t.co/izbj9Dh2Af
— Daniel Gallen (@danieljtgallen) January 11, 2025
Adding intrigue to the Wafle story is the recruitment of his younger brother, Luke Wafle. A four-star edge rusher in the class of 2026 from The Hun School in Princeton, New Jersey, Luke is being heavily pursued by the same schools that Owen visited during his transfer process, including with Penn State. The Nittany Lions’ ability to secure Owen’s commitment could play a pivotal role in attracting Luke to Happy Valley in the future.
Penn State fans have reason to be excited about the latest addition to their roster. With Zane Durant leading the charge in 2025 and Owen Wafle ready to contribute, the defensive line looks to be a cornerstone of the Nittany Lions’ championship aspirations.