STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The first 48 hours of the transfer portal window have transformed Penn State’s roster.
As Matt Campbell installs his culture, the roster is seeing significant turnover. The most headline-grabbing departure is quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who started seven games in 2025 and led the team to a Pinstripe Bowl victory. He officially entered the portal on January 2, seeking a fresh start.
Major Departures
- Ethan Grunkemeyer (QB): Passed for over 1,600 yards and 14 TDs in 2025. His exit clears the way for a new QB1, likely a transfer.
- J’ven Williams (OL): The former five-star recruit from Wyomissing never cracked the starting rotation and will look elsewhere.
- Jaxon Smolik (QB): Also departs, leaving the QB room thin.
Strategic Shift: Culture over Stars
These departures might seem alarming on paper—losing a 5-star recruit (Williams) and a bowl-winning QB (Grunkemeyer)—but they align with Matt Campbell’s long-standing philosophy of “Earned, Not Given.”
- Trimming the Fat: Campbell has historically prioritized players who fit his specific “blue-collar” culture over those with high recruiting rankings but inconsistent production.
- The Message: By facilitating the exit of players who weren’t projected starters for 2026, the staff is sending a clear message: The depth chart is wide open, but it must be won in winter workouts. This “addition by subtraction” strategy is designed to create a leaner, hungrier locker room.
Crucial Returns
Despite the exits, Campbell secured massive wins by retaining defensive core pieces:
- Tony Rojas (LB): “I’m not going anywhere,” Rojas confirmed, anchoring the 2026 defense.
- Quinton Martin Jr. (RB): After a breakout bowl game, he returns to lead the backfield.
- Yvan Kemajou (DE): A key retention for the defensive line.
The roster churn is painful but necessary as Campbell builds his vision.