Penn State football has seen cornerback Jon Mitchell and linebacker Ta'Mere Robinson enter the transfer portal on the opening day of the spring window. Mitchell, a 6'0, 185-pound cornerback, was a highly-ranked recruit with four years of eligibility remaining. He appeared in six games as a true freshman and was not expected to play a significant role this season due to the depth in the cornerback room. On the other hand, Robinson, a 6'3, 230-pound linebacker, played in 17 games for Penn State, including 14 last season, accumulating 13 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. With three years of eligibility remaining, Robinson was anticipated to have an expanded role in the upcoming season.
Mitchell's departure leaves players like AJ Harris, Elliot Washington II, Audavion Collins, and Zion Tracy as the top contenders for starting roles in the cornerback position, with Mitchell likely to have eventually earned a starting spot. Meanwhile, Robinson was expected to compete for a starting position in the linebacker group, but will now seek opportunities elsewhere. Their exits add to the limited number of Penn State players who have entered the transfer portal so far, with more expected to follow suit in the coming days.