Penn State transfer portal: Should PSU target any of Michigan’s transfers?

Today, three sought-after Wolverines announced that they would be transferring out of Ann Arbor and will be searching for a new home. Due to Michigan football being well over the scholarship limit right now, this could become a spring theme for Jim Harbaugh’s program; in the meantime, there are a handful of talented players with Big Ten Championship experience in the portal, and James Franklin’s coaching staff may have some interest. There is one player in particular that could be a Penn State transfer portal target.

One transfer portal Wolverine that could raise some eyebrows in State College is two-time All-Big Ten kick returner and wide receiver AJ Henning, who will be entering his senior season of college football after shinning in Ann Arbor for the past three years.

Penn State football: Should PSU give Michigan transfer portal recruits a look?

Today, three talented Wolverines entered the portal: LB Nikhai Hill-Green, WR AJ Henning, and DB RJ Moten. Penn State football looks pretty well off at linebacker and safety — though the Lions may want some extra depth among the defensive backs with the loss of Storm Duck — yet Henning could use a look.

Penn State football is losing Parker Washington, its return man in 2022, and Henning is a two-time All-Big Ten returner. Additionally, the Nittany Lions need some help at wide receiver, and Henning could help in that regard as well.

AJ Henning a possible portal target for the Nittany Lions?

First off, the odds that Henning would move from Michigan to Penn State are low, given the nature of the two teams’ relationship. That being said, Henning — an Illinois native — could have an interest in staying in the Big Ten and facing his former program.

As a recruit, AJ Henning was rated as a four-star composite receiver and was ranked as the No. 18 wideout in the class of 2020 and the No. 2 prospect in Illinois. During his college years, Henning shinned as a ball-carrier, wide receiver, and return specialist for Michigan football, earning All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten honors throughout his three seasons in Ann Arbor. Additionally, Henning was a notable contributor to Michigan’s 2021 and 2022 Big Ten title-winning programs.

Perhaps it isn’t likely, but AJ Henning is at least worth a look — James Franklin could even kick the tires just in case.

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