With the Transfer Portal window opening, Penn State football is at risk of losing a number of current players with eligibility remaining. Nittany Lions already announced their intent on entering the portal, and more will follow suit.
Penn State retains key player in the locker room and on the offensive line
In the midst of players announcing their departure from the program, others announced their loyalties, saying they are staying at Penn State for the 2026 season.
On Tuesday, Dec. 30, offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh made his announcement on social media. It read:
"I would like to sincerely thank Coach Franklin, Coach Trautwein and the entire coaching staff for everything they have poured into my life over the past three years. You have each played an instrumental role in my development as a man, and I truly wish y'all continued success in your careers.
"That being said, it is a great honor to announce that I will be staying at Penn State for the 2026 season!!!!
"I have full confidence in Coach Campbell, Coach [Ryan] Clanton and the rest of the staff, and I believe they will help restore Penn State's tradition of excellence while continuing to support my growth to be the man that God has called me to be!!!"
Anthony Donkoh announces that he will return to Penn State in 2026. The redshirt sophomore has started 21 on the Nittany Lions’ offensive line over the last two seasons.
— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) December 30, 2025
Donkoh expressed his full support in Matt Campbell and the new Penn State staff:
“I have full confidence… pic.twitter.com/8WI2HxNh7Y
Anthony Donkoh announces his intent on staying at Penn State for 2026 season
Donkoh's announcement comes after offensive lineman Cooper Cousins'. Cousins announced his intent on staying with the Nittany Lions on Dec. 29.
Bringing back two offensive linemen, especially given the number of seniors and graudates whose eligibilities expired after 2025, is essential for head coach Matt Campbell. Donkoh, especially, has starting experience that will prove useful. He was one of the top players Campbell ideally needed to retain as he lone starter left in the trenches.
The redshirt sophomore is a former four-star, previously ranked the 29th overall offensive lineman from the Class of 2023, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. He was ranked 415th among all recruits from his class and ninth out of student-athletes from Virginia. As a redshirt freshman in 2024, he made 10 starts and 11 appearances. In 2025, he played in all 13 games and made 11 starts.