Penn State Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer (17) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Nebraska, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

UNIVERSITY PARK — A large number of Penn State football players announced their intentions of entering the transfer portal this week, but none bigger than quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer’s announcement on Thursday afternoon.

Grunkemeyer appeared in 11 of the Lions’ 13 games, including becoming the full-time starter after Drew Allar’s season-ending injury against Northwestern. He threw for 1,339 yards with 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht is also in the transfer portal, and is a heavy favorite to follow Matt Campbell to Penn State.

The number is now up to 23 players that are in the transfer portal, including Grunkemeyer. Also announcing their decisions to move on Thursday were tight end Luke Reynolds, offensive linemen T.J. Shanahan and J’ven Williams, and wideout Jeff Exinor Jr.

Also announcing their decisions to move on from the program this week were defensive ends Zuriah Fisher and Jaylen Harvey, linebackers Keon Wylie and Anthony Speca, wide receivers Anthony Ivey and Kaden Saunders, quarterback Bekkem Kritza, defensive tackles Xavier Gilliam and Sam Siafa, and safety Braz Thomas.

Six players announced this week they will return to Happy Valley in offensive linemen Cooper Cousins, Anthony Donkoh and Garrett Sexton, tight end Andrew Rappleyea, linebacker Tony Rojas and safety Dejuan Lane.

Offensive lineman Vega Ioane is the only Nittany Lion with eligibility remaining to declare for the NFL Draft.

The transfer portal officially opens today and closes on Jan. 16.