Penn State loses future punter, WR with NFL ties to the portal

Today, the NCAA transfer portal officially opened for college football players. The Penn State football team saw multiple players jump in the portal today. All players will have until January 2nd, 2024 to enter the portal in this 30-day window officially. Turnover is expected in today’s era of college football. With how easy it is to transfer these days, players would be foolish not to use it. Unfortunately, that impacts the Nittany Lions, and we saw Alex Bacchetta and Cristian Driver enter the NCAA transfer portal this morning. James Franklin will work to retain as many players as possible during this window.

Penn State loses a future punter to the portal

The first player who officially entered the NCAA transfer portal from the Penn State football team was Alex Bacchetta. A native of Georgia, Bacchetta was viewed as one of the top punter prospects in the 2022 recruiting class.

The former 3-star prospect made his commitment to the Nittany Lions on May 30th, 2022, and spent both the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Nittany Lions. He redshirted during the 2022 season and did not make the travel roster in 2o23.

I would like to thank Penn State and the entire staff for the past 2 years. I’m incredibly thankful for all the memories and experiences with my teammates over these two seasons. I wish Penn State the absolute best. I have entered the transfer portal with 3 years remaining. pic.twitter.com/WMfEOIWX1M

— Alex Bacchetta (@AlexBacchetta) December 4, 2023

Unfortunately, the path to playing time was not clear for Alex Bacchetta. With starting punter Riley Thompson possibly returning for the 2024 season, it makes sense why Bacchetta is looking for a new home. He will finish his Penn State career with just four total punts.

The Nittany Lions lose a WR with NFL ties to the portal

Bacchetta was not alone in entering the transfer portal this morning. Fellow 2022 signee and Penn State football wide receiver Cristian Driver also entered his name into the portal today.

Driver committed to the Nittany Lions as a four-star defensive back prospect but then made a position change this offseason to wide receiver. Cristian Driver, son of former Green Bay Packers star wide receiver Donald Driver, looked to play the same position as his father.

Penn State redshirt freshman WR Cristian Driver has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, per @247Sports source.

The son of former All-Pro NFL WR Donald Driver, he converted from cornerback last winter. Former Top247 prospect. https://t.co/YWldP0B1aw

— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) December 4, 2023

Driver appeared in four games this season for the Nittany Lions and secured one reception for 8 yards against Delaware earlier in the 2023 season.

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