Penn State football redshirt sophomore linebacker DaKaari Nelson has entered the transfer portal, according to Lions247’s Daniel Gallen. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Nelson joined the Nittany Lions in 2023 and made just one appearance, preserving his redshirt. In 2024, the linebacker’s role increased. He played in 14 games, ending with five total tackles. In 2025, he played a similar role despite the injury to Tony Rojas and finished with an additional five tackles.

The 6’3″ and 233-pounder was a four-star recruit in high school, according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings. He was listed as the No. 14 player in Alabama, No. 13 safety, and No. 176 player nationally. He moved to linebacker in college, putting on 30 pounds.

Nelson is the 32nd Nittany Lion to enter the transfer portal. He leaves a linebacker room that has suddenly made itself crowded again with Tony Rojas’ and Alex Tatsch’s intentions to return to the program.

About the Author

Collin Ward

Collin is a fourth-year majoring in digital/print journalism. He lives in Basking Ridge, New Jersey and enjoys TAYLOR HAM, egg, and cheese. As a New York Giants and Chelsea FC fan you can normally find him yelling at his TV screen on the weekends. Please follow him on X(formerly Twitter) @wardcollinz for Penn State football stuff. You can email him at collin@onwardstate.com.

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