Penn State football pushing for No. 1 Safety in the transfer portal

Reconnecting with former recruits has been a common theme for the Penn State football team. Specifically, that’s how James Franklin and his coaching staff have handled the transfer portal heading into the 2024 season. The Nittany Lions have already secured commitments from prior recruits such as AJ Harris, Nolan Rucci, and Julian Fleming. Now, with King Mack officially in the transfer portal, Penn State has been in contact with the No. 1 safety in the transfer portal and former Texas A&M Aggie Jacoby Mathews.

Penn State football in contact with No. 1 Safety in the transfer portal

Jacoby Mathews had intentions to enter the transfer portal on February 24th. That’s when Hayes Fawcett of On3 reported that Mathews was considering the move. On April 16th Mathews made the report official by entering the transfer portal. As a recruit and a member of the 2022 recruiting class, he was a five-star prospect from Ponchatoula, LA.

Mathews ended up making his commitment to Texas A&M, where, over the past two seasons, he has accounted for 67 tackles, 1 INT, and 7 pass breakups. According to On3, Mathews is the No. 1 safety available in the transfer portal.

On Thursday, Hayes Fawcett reported that Mathews has heard from 12 schools since entering the transfer portal, including Pittsburgh, Washington, Oregon, Cal, Colorado, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Michigan, Houston, UCF, Ohio State, and Penn State. The Nittany Lions suddenly have a need a safety after the departure of King Mack.

Former Texas A&M Safety Jacoby Mathews has heard from these 1️⃣2️⃣ Schools since entering the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports

The Former 5-Star Recruit totaled 67 Tackles, 1 INT, & 7 PD in his 2 years with the Aggies

Is the Top Available Safety in the Portal (per On3… pic.twitter.com/Bjp6mh8ocp

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 2, 2024

King Mack enters the transfer portal

One of the most significant losses for Penn State football came on Thursday afternoon. That’s when sophomore safety King Mack entered the transfer portal. While Mack was not expected to be a starter, he appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman. Mack is someone who would’ve seen a larger role this fall. Now, Mack is set to visit Alabama this weekend according to 247Sports.

With King Mack in the portal, the Nittany Lions have Kevin Winston Jr., Jaylen Reed, and Zakee Wheatley as the core three safeties in Tom Allen’s defense. However, Jacoby Mathews is someone with whom Penn State has a recruiting tie. A scholarship was offered in January of 2021. It will be interesting to see if the former recruiting connection can help the Nittany Lions add another star from the portal.

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