Ex-Penn State tight end announces transfer portal commitment

As Penn State football was in the midst of its College Football Playoff victory over SMU, former Nittany Lions tight end Jerry Cross found his next college program.

Cross committed to Memphis out of the transfer portal on Saturday afternoon, announcing the decision via social media.

COMMITTED. pic.twitter.com/395YNKcujs

— Jerry Cross (@thejerrycross) December 21, 2024

Jerry Cross left the Penn State football program ahead of its Big Ten Championship appearance, making his plan to enter the transfer portal public on December 3. The Wisconsin native appeared in seven games for the Nittany Lions over three seasons but did not record a reception.

“First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Penn State University, Coach Franklin, and the entire coaching staff for the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious program,” Cross wrote of his decision at the beginning of the month.

“My time here has been filled with invaluable experiences, lifelong friendships, and lessons that have shaped me both on and off the field. To my teammates, thank you for the brotherhood, the hard work, and the memories we’ve created together. To the fans, your unwavering support has made every game at Beaver Stadium unforgettable, and I am forever grateful to have been part of this special community.”

“This decision was not made lightly, as Penn State will always hold a special place in my heart. However, I believe this is the best step for my personal growth and athletic career. Thank you once again to everyone at Penn State for your support and guidance. I am excited for the opportunities ahead and look forward to what the future holds.”

Cross was a top 15 tight end in the country and the No. 5 player from Wisconsin in On3’s Industry Rankings for the class of 2022. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

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