Former Penn State football guard JB Nelson is receiving plenty of interest since hopping into the transfer portal.
On Monday, two days before the spring portal window opened, it was reported Nelson would enter the transfer portal. He did so on Wednesday, becoming the first Nittany Lion to do so. He was later joined by cornerback Jon Mitchell and linebackers Ta’Mere Robinson and Beckham Dee.
In reference to his departure, head coach James Franklin said “not a whole lot changes for us.” True sophomore Cooper Cousins is expected to compete for a starting role in Nelson’s absence.
Since entering the portal, Nelson has already scheduled visits with Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Syracuse, according to a report by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Ex-Penn State offensive lineman JB Nelson is expected to visit Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Syracuse, a source tells @CBSSports/@247Sports.
The 6-5, 325-pound Nelson played in 27 games at Penn State the last two years and made eight starts.https://t.co/10Sz3YwNKgpic.twitter.com/wCwtEzjPlm
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 17, 2025
Nelson gathered plenty of playing experience with the Nittany Lions, appearing in 31 games and starting in eight of them. In addition, Franklin said Nelson can play all five positions along the offensive line, making him a versatile weapon and coveted commodity in the portal.
If Nelson lands at Georgia Tech, he’ll become the second former Penn State lineman to land with the Yellow Jackets, as defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg transferred there after the 2023 season.
If he joins Virginia Tech, he’ll join former Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry. Though their tenures in Happy Valley never quite overlapped, he likely has some level of familiarity with Pry.
A move to Maryland would allow him to remain in the Big Ten, though the Terrapins won’t face Penn State next season in his final year of eligibility.
Syracuse finished with the best record of the bunch last season, but will lose several key offensive pieces including quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Trebor Pena – who the Nittany Lions are in the mix to get in the portal.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Former Penn State guard JB Nelson schedules visits
Former Penn State football guard JB Nelson is receiving plenty of interest since hopping into the transfer portal.
On Monday, two days before the spring portal window opened, it was reported Nelson would enter the transfer portal. He did so on Wednesday, becoming the first Nittany Lion to do so. He was later joined by cornerback Jon Mitchell and linebackers Ta’Mere Robinson and Beckham Dee.
In reference to his departure, head coach James Franklin said “not a whole lot changes for us.” True sophomore Cooper Cousins is expected to compete for a starting role in Nelson’s absence.
Since entering the portal, Nelson has already scheduled visits with Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Syracuse, according to a report by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Ex-Penn State offensive lineman JB Nelson is expected to visit Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Syracuse, a source tells @CBSSports/@247Sports.
The 6-5, 325-pound Nelson played in 27 games at Penn State the last two years and made eight starts.https://t.co/10Sz3YwNKgpic.twitter.com/wCwtEzjPlm
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 17, 2025
Nelson gathered plenty of playing experience with the Nittany Lions, appearing in 31 games and starting in eight of them. In addition, Franklin said Nelson can play all five positions along the offensive line, making him a versatile weapon and coveted commodity in the portal.
If Nelson lands at Georgia Tech, he’ll become the second former Penn State lineman to land with the Yellow Jackets, as defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg transferred there after the 2023 season.
If he joins Virginia Tech, he’ll join former Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry. Though their tenures in Happy Valley never quite overlapped, he likely has some level of familiarity with Pry.
A move to Maryland would allow him to remain in the Big Ten, though the Terrapins won’t face Penn State next season in his final year of eligibility.
Syracuse finished with the best record of the bunch last season, but will lose several key offensive pieces including quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Trebor Pena – who the Nittany Lions are in the mix to get in the portal.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Former Penn State guard JB Nelson schedules visits
