Matt Campbell’s time at Penn State has been full of uncertainty so far. Things looked settled yesterday as the Nittany Lions added D’Anton Lynn to their coaching staff. Bue portal struck again.

The first blow came when Dylan Dawson broke the news that WR Kaden Saunders has decided to enter the transfer portal. Due to injuries and inconsistent opportunities, Saunders’ career at Penn State never really took off. He was once considered a key offensive component and a top-100, four-star recruit.

During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he showed promise with eight receptions and a score, but his contribution dropped. Despite this, Saunders managed to make an impact as a return specialist, recording 17 punt returns for 113 yards in the span of two seasons. Unfortunately, he missed a significant portion of the 2024 season due to a hand injury, and his 2025 season was completely ruined by a chronic ailment. Saunders is now seeking a new beginning following four years in Happy Valley.

The second one fell shortly after. Defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam has also announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. Unlike Saunders, Gilliam was trending in the right direction. This past season, the former three-star recruit participated in all 13 games and earned two starts. Losing Gilliam hurts from a development standpoint; a young lineman just starting to click is now walking out the door.

Two portal exits in one day is an early test for Matt Campbell, whose rebuild will now have to accelerate faster than anyone hoped. But Donkoh’s decision to return provides a much-needed counterbalance.

Anthony Donkoh’s return gives PSU a lifeline

Amid all the chaos surrounding Penn State this offseason, a little bit of good news finally landed in Happy Valley. Anthony Donkoh, an early NFL Draft-caliber prospect and two-year starting offensive tackle, announced his return for a second season. Donkoh’s choice felt like a rare breath of relief to Campbell, who entered a locker room shaken by portal departures, flipped commits, and staff exits. PSU’s most seasoned offensive player has decided to stay put at a time when consistency is desperately needed.

Donkoh made it clear why he’s buying into the new regime. “I have full confidence in Coach Campbell, Coach [Ryan] Clanton and the rest of the staff,” he wrote, adding that he believes they can “restore Penn State’s tradition of excellence.”

On the field, his worth is evident. At 6-foot-5 and 326 pounds, Donkoh has started 21 games over the last two seasons at both right tackle and right guard, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2024. He started nine games at guard this season and switched to tackle when needed, including the Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson. According to PFF, he was Penn State’s second-best lineman in that game. Such versatility is hard to come by, especially given the absence of four starters and longtime O-line coach Phil Trautwein.

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With Donkoh and Cooper Cousins serving as anchors, Campbell, Clanton, and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser have a solid foundation to work from while Penn State’s 2026 offensive line is being nearly completely rebuilt. Donkoh has embraced the grind of switching positions. “I love both,” he said of playing tackle and guard. Former coach Trautwein even compared his career path to that of Will Fries, now a highly paid NFL guard. But a single player cannot resolve every issue. This offseason, Penn State has lost players, assistants, and momentum.

Even with Donkoh’s return providing much-needed stability, PSU will still look toward the transfer portal to make up for its offseason losses.