ICYMI: Penn State starter granted additional eligibility

The Penn State football team needed to replace three starters on special teams ahead of the 2023 season. One player who stepped in was FAU transfer punter Riley Thompson. But when he walked with the rest of the seniors on Senior Day many expected his Penn State career to come to an end after the Peach Bowl. That has changed as Thompson announced today that he has received an eligibility extension from the NCAA. on Saturday.

Penn State football starter granted additional eligibility

The Nittany Lions would have needed to replace its starting punter in back-to-back seasons. In Big Ten football, you need a reliable punter to flip the field position. At the end of the day, you never know how a single punt can dictate the outcome of any given game. Riley Thompson put out a statement explaining the situation and just how he will be returning in 2024.

In his statement, Thompson said, “Nittany Nation, I have absolutely loved my first season playing in front of you guys in Beaver Stadium. I am so thrilled to announce that I have been approved by the NCAA for a two-year eligibility clock through the 2025 season. I can’t wait to be back out there with my teammates and in front of you. Job’s not finished. We Are!”

Stoked to be back. pic.twitter.com/ubkK314cwC

— Riley Thompson (@rathompson_) December 9, 2023

Alex Bacchetta enters the transfer portal

If Thompson was unable to receive an extension that would’ve put Alex Bacchetta in prime position to start next season. But since he was unable to beat Thompson for the job ahead of the 2023 season, his return led to Bacchetta entering the transfer portal. A key signee in the 2022 recruiting class will look for his next opportunity outside of State College.