State College
Today
Monday, January 5th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 5th of January.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Iowa State four-star safety Marcus Neal Jr. is transferring to Penn State football, adding two seasons of eligibility as he steps into the safety room after key departures (joining fellow transfers who followed head coach Matt Campbell) to boost the team’s depth. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State defensive tackle Kaleb Artis entered the transfer portal today. Artis played in 24 games over the past two seasons and earned five Developmental Squad Defensive Player of the Week honors, and he has one year of eligibility remaining (CBS Sports report). Onward State
- ➤ Penn State football punter Gabe Nwosu declared for the NFL Draft Sunday after a standout 2025 season where he punted 38 times for 1,749 yards and 14 kicks landed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. He is the 11th Nittany Lion to make this decision, setting up his next move. Onward State
- ➤ Safety Marcus Neal Jr. is transferring from Iowa State to join Penn State's defensive back room and will work with head coach Matt Campbell in Happy Valley today—he posted 40 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and two interceptions last season and has two years of eligibility remaining. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Former Iowa State quarterback Alex Manske has transferred to Penn State, making him the sixth player to enter the transfer portal and join coach Matt Campbell in Happy Valley. He played three games last season with Iowa State and retains four years of eligibility. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State junior linebacker Amare Campbell entered the transfer portal after one season as the starting MIKE. His strong play, with 103 tackles helping clinch bowl eligibility in a win over Rutgers, came amid a coaching change with the hiring of coach Matt Campbell; he had previously played for North Carolina. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Defensive tackle Ty Blanding announced on Sunday, Jan. 4, that he will return to play for the Nittany Lions in 2026. He appeared in all 12 games this season, making seven tackles + one tackle for loss. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State wide receiver Tyseer Denmark announced on Jan. 4 that he will return for the season. The redshirt freshman is set to compete in Happy Valley and plans to bring his pure dominance mindset to upcoming games (after scoring a touchdown and gaining 17 yards in one game). Daily Collegian
- ➤ Former Iowa State tight end Gabe Burkle announced on Sunday, Jan. 4 his transfer to Penn State; he will join the team in a revamped room at State College starting in 2025. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Former Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht transferred to Penn State football after entering the transfer portal, joining the Nittany Lions with one year of eligibility remaining. He played three seasons at Iowa State and his move comes after a standout season in 2024. Onward State
- ➤ Iowa State transfer quarterback Rocco Becht is headed to Penn State with one season of eligibility and is expected to start next season after Drew Allar departs; he recorded 9,274 yards and 64 touchdowns in four seasons. Teammate Alex Manske, a former four-star recruit, also committed. StateCollege.com
- ➤ Penn State football linebacker Amare Campbell has entered the transfer portal after recording 103 tackles and three sacks last season. He is the 37th player to join the portal following a challenging 2025 campaign. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State punter Gabe Nwosu declared for the NFL draft Sunday on X, following a season where he averaged 46 yards per punt and recorded a 68-yard maximum. The redshirt senior is taking the next step as he pursues a professional career. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State defensive tackle Kaleb Artis has entered the transfer portal after playing in 11 games last year and all 13 contests in 2023 (he missed the 2025 season due to injury), while wide receiver Tyseer Denmark will return in 2026 to support the team at Happy Valley. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Three star senior tight end Gabe Burkle announced his transfer to Penn State on Sunday on X and will use his remaining eligibility while joining fellow transfer Benjamin Brahmer in a reworked tight end group after limited play at Iowa State. Onward State
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Penn State Wrestling vs. Rutgers
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Rec Hall — Ticket prices may vary — Catch the excitement as Penn State takes on Rutgers in a thrilling wrestling match.
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UCLA Bruins vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Basketball
8:30-10:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting clash of two powerhouse college basketball teams.
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Skorts Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — Ticket prices available — Enjoy live music featuring SKORTS and their catchy tunes.
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Anna Pearl Performance
6-8 p.m. — The Lodge at Tussey Mountain — Tickets available — Enjoy an intimate evening of music with local singer/songwriter Anna Pearl.
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Big Lazy Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — From $11.99 — Experience two decades of noir and twang music from New York's underground scene.
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Minnesota Golden Gophers at Penn State Nittany Lions Women's Basketball
6-9 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting women's basketball showdown between the Gophers and Nittany Lions.
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Jason Aldean Concert
6:00-9:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Tickets available — Experience an inspiring night of country music with Jason Aldean and Nate Smith.
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Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan State Spartans
1-10 p.m. — West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Nittany Lions as they take on the Spartans in a thrilling college football matchup.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The fool wonders, the wise man asks.
~ Benjamin Disraeli
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