Ex-Penn State football rising star defender makes transfer portal decision

Originally posted on Basic Blues Nation
By Morgan Chapman | Last updated 5/11/24

One of the surprises of the spring transfer portal window for the Penn State football team was losing sophomore safety King Mack. A player who earned a greenshirt during his true freshman campaign in Happy Valley. The rising star safety was a late transfer portal entry during a flurry last Thursday. But it didn’t take Mack long to find a new home. The former Nittany Lion announced his commitment to Alabama on Friday night.

Ex-Penn State football defender makes transfer portal commitment

King Mack was a member of the 2023 recruiting class for the Penn State football team. Mack held a four-star ranking and was the No. 8 safety in the 2023 cycle according to On3. His transfer portal ranking was similar. The rising sophomore was listed as the No. 6 safety available in the portal. From Fort Lauderdale, FL, Mack now has the opportunity to be closer to home and his family.

Kalen DeBoer wasted no time making his move on recruiting King Mack. When the ex-Penn State safety entered the transfer portal on May 2nd a few hours after his decision was made public, news broke that he had a visit scheduled to Tuscaloosa and the Crimson Tide for last weekend. That visit made a lasting impression as Mack announced his commitment to Alabama on Friday evening.

1000% committed #RollTide pic.twitter.com/4dkimSjoso

— King Mack (@kingmack2004) May 10, 2024

King Mack says goodbye to Penn State

Although Mack’s decision to leave surprised the Penn State community, it certainly did not come without deep thought. Ahead of his commitment to Alabama, he left a heartfelt message to Nittany Nation on his Instagram. Even directly addressing the Penn State fanbase.

“…To the community and our devoted fans, your enthusiasm and support energized us every single day. Playing in from of you has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life, and I am so grateful for every cheer that pushed me to give my best…”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by King Mack (@kingmack04)

While King Mack was not a projected starter going into the 2024 season for Penn State, his role would’ve been more significant this season. Now, he will get his chance to compete for a potential starting role at Alabama this fall.

This article first appeared on Basic Blues Nation and was syndicated with permission.

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