Nittany Lions Add 3 New Players to 2025 Roster
Penn State has officially signed three new players to their 2025 football roster, including two key transfers and a true freshman who had originally committed to the 2026 recruiting class. Here’s a look at the new additions: linebacker Amare Campbell, receiver Trebor Pena, and defensive end Daniel Jennings.
Amare Campbell
Campbell, a linebacker who spent two seasons at North Carolina, started 13 games for the Tar Heels last year. At 6-0 and 230 pounds, Campbell could potentially play middle linebacker for the Nittany Lions. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Last season, Campbell totaled 76 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss, and added 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and two pass breakups. His best performance came against Connecticut, where he made a career-high nine tackles. He also had eight tackles against Virginia.
After entering the transfer portal in December and then withdrawing his name, Campbell re-entered the portal during the spring window. Penn State quickly took interest, hosting him for a spring visit before securing his commitment. Campbell is from Manassas, Virginia, and was among 51 North Carolina players who entered the portal this offseason.
Trebor Pena
Pena, a wide receiver formerly with Syracuse, could be one of Penn State’s most impactful offseason acquisitions. The 5-10, 185-pound receiver led the ACC in receptions last season with 84 catches, totaling 941 yards and nine touchdowns. He was named second-team all-conference.
Despite missing most of the 2023 season due to injury, Pena emerged as a top target for Syracuse, recording at least six receptions in nine games. For comparison, no Penn State wide receiver had a six-catch game last season. Pena also excels as a return specialist, leading the ACC in kick-return average (27.2 yards per attempt) and ranking third in punt-return average (8.7). In 2021, he earned All-ACC honors as a return specialist. Pena, from Ocean Township, New Jersey, has one season of eligibility left.
Daniel Jennings
Jennings, a 6-2, 250-pound defensive end from Princeton High School in West Virginia, is a unique addition to the 2025 roster. Although he initially committed to Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class, Jennings decided to graduate early and reclassify to the 2025 class, making him eligible to join the Nittany Lions this fall.
Jennings was an all-state player in West Virginia, earning Class 3A honors while excelling on both sides of the ball. He recorded 38 tackles, including 12.5 for loss, and 10 sacks for Princeton’s defense, in addition to rushing for 1,373 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also earned all-state recognition in Virginia in 2023 while playing for Graham High School. Jennings is the top-ranked player in West Virginia, according to the 247Sports Composite.
With Jennings joining the class, Penn State’s 2025 recruiting class now ranks 15th nationally, as per the 247Sports Composite. The Nittany Lions have signed 28 players so far for the 2025 class, with an even split between offense and defense.
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