BREAKING: Penn State football lands top transfer portal linebacker

James Franklin said Penn State football would pursue top transfer portal talent at linebacker this spring. On Tuesday night, the Nittany Lions made good on that promise, landing former North Carolina standout Amare Campbell.

The news was first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Campbell was visiting with the Nittany Lions to start the week after traveling to SMU over the weekend.

Amare Campbell has committed to Penn State, per the @APSportsAgency. One of the top linebackers available this spring. https://t.co/GbugDjJ1Kz

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) May 7, 2025

Campbell is the top available linebacker in the transfer portal during the spring window, according to On3. He previously entered the portal this winter before returning to Chapel Hill for the spring.

As a sophomore, he was second on the Tar Heels’ roster with 76 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss. He also posted 6.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries in 2024.

“I think we’re in good shape, but there’s some concerns there,” James Franklin said following the Blue-White Game. “You know, we lost a guy that we didn’t anticipate losing. As you guys know, we’re not a big portal team, but we’re going to have to address some issues. So, if there is a linebacker out there that wants to come and be a part of our program and play for LBU, the most historic linebacker program in the history of college football, there’s an opportunity here to join the room and compete. So we will look at that.”

Campbell is the second notable transfer that Penn State football has landed this spring. Two weeks ago, the Nittany Lions earned a commitment from top portal receiver Trebor Pena.

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 basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on social media.