Penn State football adds SEC DE, top 50 recruit with PA roots from transfer portal

James Franklin and Penn State football continue to make waves in the transfer portal this week, this time adding a key addition on the defensive side of the line of scrimmage. On Friday, the Nittany Lions picked up a commitment from ex-Texas A&M edge rusher Enai White.

The junior defensive end announced his pledge to the Nittany Lions after entering the portal on December 11. The former Aggie is coming off a recent trip to State College, visiting with the Penn State football staff over the weekend.

BREAKING: Texas A&M transfer EDGE Enai White has Committed to Penn State, he tells @on3sports

The 6’5 260 EDGE will have 3 years of eligibility remaining

Was ranked as a Top 45 Recruit in the ‘22 Class (per On3)https://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/3OA2nB0r64

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 20, 2024

Want to stay up-to-date on all things Penn State football as the Nittany Lions prepare for their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance? Follow us on social media and subscribe to our free newsletter for live news and insights directly to your feed!

White had been a productive reserve during his first two years in College Station, recording 11 tackles and two sacks before suffering a season-ending injury as a sophomore. However, White’s use declined as a junior, only appearing in one game this fall.

© John Reed-Imagn Images

A Philadelphia native, Enai White was a top 50 recruit out of Imhotep Institute in the 2022 cycle. Rated as a high-four star prospect, White was the No. 2 player in the Keystone State behind Nicholas Singleton and was tabbed as the No. 38 overall player by 247Sports. The Nittany Lions also brought home several of Pennsylvania’s former top recruits last winter, signing receiver Julian Fleming and offensive tackle Nolan Rucci. 

White becomes the second transfer portal commitment of the winter window for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions, joining ex-USC receiver Kyron Hudson. Penn State football has also hosted former top 50 recruit Bear Alexander and ex-Louisiana Tech defender David Blay and is expected to welcome Ball State receiver Justin Bowick on Wednesday and Troy receiver Devonte Ross on Thursday. 

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation, one of the fastest-growing outlets covering Penn State athletics. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned and operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on social media.