Bold takeaway: Penn State is navigating a wave of roster and staff changes ahead of the Pinstripe Bowl, with key veterans opting out, coordinator moves, and a reshaped coaching staff shaping the 2026 program.
Penn State Football, in New York City for the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson later this month, faces a thinner lineup due to several opt-outs and meaningful staff turnover as head coach Matt Campbell carts in 2026 plans.
Here’s the PSU roster tracker update as of Thursday morning:
PLAYER UPDATES
- Elliot Washington, a third-year junior corner for Penn State, plans to enter the transfer portal, according to a Thursday report from On3.
- Zakee Wheatley, a fifth-year safety and veteran defender, announced on Wednesday that he will opt out of the Pinstripe Bowl to focus on preparing for the 2026 NFL draft.
- Zane Durant, a veteran defensive tackle and captain, announced Monday that he will opt out of the Pinstripe Bowl to concentrate on NFL aspirations for 2026. Durant has also accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl at the end of January.
COACHING UPDATES
- Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is expected to depart after one season, reportedly moving to Tennessee as its defensive coordinator. Blue-White Illustrated reported Knowles will not be back.
- Running backs coach Stan Drayton is being pursued by an SEC program; later reporting confirmed his hiring by South Carolina.
- Lions tight ends coach Ty Howle is anticipated to leave to join James Franklin as offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech.
- Penn State quarterbacks coach Danny O’Brien is also joining Franklin at Virginia Tech.
- Howle and O’Brien will not coach for the Lions in the Pinstripe Bowl, per Blue-White Illustrated and other updates.
- Interim head coach Terry Smith will remain on Campbell’s staff as an assistant, continuing his role after serving as interim head coach and previously coaching the cornerbacks.
For ongoing updates and details on PSU’s roster moves and staff turnover related to the Pinstripe Bowl, check PennLive for the latest information.
Penn State Reporter
