Penn State offers All-Big Ten WR in the transfer portal

Penn State football has obvious needs in the transfer portal this offseason. But none are more prominent than the need at WR. The Nittany Lions are looking for a clear difference-maker who can help take the passing attack to the next level in year two under Drew Allar. Where better to start the search than with players who had success on the field against Penn State in 2023? That’s exactly what James Franklin has done, extending an offer to All-Big Ten WR Donaven McCulley, who had a career day against the Nittany Lions as a member of the Indiana Hoosiers in October.

Penn State football offers All-Big Ten WR Donaven McCulley in transfer portal

The Nittany Lions’ October 28 game versus Indiana is one that many Penn State football fans likely want to forget. Coming off a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State, Penn State suffered a hangover effect against the Hoosiers. The Nittany Lions gave up several uncharacteristic broken touchdown plays on defense, and needed late-game heroics from Drew Allar and KeAndre Lamber-Smith to emerge with a 33-24 win.

Well, Penn State football may need to take a second look at some of those long scores racked up by the Hoosiers. On November 28, Indiana WR Donaven McCulley entered his name into the transfer portal. An All-Big Ten Honorable mention this fall, McCulley had a breakout season in 2023. He caught 48 passes for 644 yards and six touchdowns as part of a struggling Hoosiers offense this year.

Against the Nittany Lions, McCulley snagged four catches for 96 yards, including a career-best 69-yard touchdown reception. Evidently, this performance left a strong impression on the Penn State football coaching staff. On Tuesday, the All-Big Ten WR announced that he received an offer from the Nittany Lions.

Penn State Offered! pic.twitter.com/pgsyQvQE0S

— Donaven (@DonavenMcculley) December 6, 2023

Recruited as a QB, Donaven McCulley was a four-star prospect and No. 2 overall player from Indiana in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. Switching to WR in 2022, McCulley finishes his Hoosier career with 64 receptions for 813 yards and seven touchdowns. South Carolina also offered the All-Big Ten WR out of the portal on Tuesday. McCulley is expected to visit Kentucky in the near future.

James Franklin explains portal strategy

During his Peach Bowl press conference Sunday evening, Penn State football coach James Franklin explained the Nittany Lions’ approach to the transfer portal for this offseason.

“We’re trying to create the most competitive roster that we possibly can,” Franklin said. “Our players understand that. We told him that when we recruited them, whether it’s high school players or whether it’s transfer portal guys. We just want to create as much competition as we possibly can in the locker room and go from there. But you know, that’s really what we’re looking for. As best players [as] available, and obviously guys that are the best fits for our locker room and our campus and community.”

The Nittany Lions are clearly prioritizing the WR position, with several offers already extended to pass catchers in the last week.

On the flip side, Penn State’s transfer portal losses have been minimal, with only three Nittany Lions hitting the exit doors as of Wednesday morning.

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