Penn State Football Sep 6, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Amare Campbell (24) attempts to get around Florida International Panthers offensive linesman Jaleel Davis (78) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Why the Nittany Lion’s Leading Tackler Entered the Portal

Originally posted on Nittany Central | By Ian Purdy | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 1:08 PM ET

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Penn State Linebacker Amare Campbell will be entering the transfer portal. Campbell took to social media to declare his entry to the transfer portral.

Amare Campbell transferred into Happy Valley in the spring portal period of 2025. The former UNC defender was an essential get for the Nittany Lions after they lost Linebacker Tamere Robinson to the transfer portal. Campbell put up really good numbers at UNC and showed his ability to be a stout Linebacker. In his final year in Chapel Hill he notched 76 tackles, 6.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

Campbell continued to improve in 2025. He anchored the Penn State Jim Knowles defense. In 2025, Campbell logged 103 tackles, 3 sacks, and a pass breakup. Campbell played nearly every single defensive snap in 2025 and led the team in tackles by nearly 30.

The Shocking Reason Campbell Chose to Transfer

Sources tell NittanyCentral that Campbell and his camp weren’t impressed by Penn State’s plan to develop him into an NFL player and the new staff’s low priority for the Nittany Lion’s leading tackler. Plus, Campbell was wanting more money than Penn State was willing to pay.

Campbell will enter the portal looking for a new home. Initially, a Virginia school makes a lot of sense on paper. As a return home and potentially a return to James Franklin would seem like a fit for Campbell.

This article first appeared on Nittany Central and was syndicated with permission.

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