Penn State Coach James Franklin Sounds Off on Transfer Portal Timing Amid Beau Pribula’s Departure
In a move that has sent ripples through the college football world, Penn State backup quarterback Beau Pribula entered the transfer portal on Monday, just days before the Nittany Lions are set to compete in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Head coach James Franklin didn’t hold back when addressing the situation, calling out the overlap between the transfer portal window and CFP preparation as a major issue in the sport.
“We got problems in college football,” Franklin said during a press conference on Monday. “I can give you my word Beau Pribula did not want to leave our program, and he did not want to leave our program until the end of the season. But the way the portal is and the timing of it and the way our team is playing, and when you play the position of quarterback and there’s only one spot and those spots are filling up, he felt like he was put in a no-win situation, and I agree with him.”
Pribula’s Dilemma: Timing Is Everything
Pribula, a redshirt sophomore, had been a key contributor to Penn State’s offense this season, even in a backup role behind starter Drew Allar. He accounted for six rushing touchdowns, tied for second on the team, and was third in both carries (38) and rushing yards (242). Through the air, he completed 26 of 35 passes for 275 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. Despite his contributions, Pribula’s decision to enter the portal was heavily influenced by the announcement that Allar would return for the 2025 season, effectively locking up the starting quarterback role for another year.
Pribula took to social media to explain his decision, writing, “The overlapping CFB playoff & transfer portal timeline has forced me into an impossible decision.” Franklin echoed this sentiment, saying, “I hate for it, most importantly for Beau Pribula. I don’t think it’s in the best interest of the student-athlete, I don’t think it’s in the best interest of college football.”
Transfer Portal Chaos: A Growing Trend
Pribula’s situation is not unique. The timing of the transfer portal has created a sense of urgency for players, particularly quarterbacks, to make decisions about their futures before the CFP concludes. This isn’t the first time a quarterback has entered the portal ahead of a CFP game. Former Texas backup quarterback Maalik Murphy made headlines in December 2023 when he entered the portal before the Longhorns faced Washington in a CFP semifinal. Murphy later transferred to Duke, where he started throughout the 2024 season before re-entering the portal.
Even Penn State’s upcoming opponent, SMU, is dealing with a similar situation. Backup quarterback Preston Stone entered the transfer portal last week but has opted to remain with the Mustangs through their CFP run. The timing of these decisions highlights the difficult position players are placed in, as they must weigh their individual futures against their current team’s postseason aspirations.
What’s Next for Penn State?
With Pribula’s departure, Penn State will rely on true freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer to back up Allar during the CFP. Grunkemeyer, ESPN’s No. 76 recruit in the 2024 class, will be thrust into a high-pressure situation as the Nittany Lions prepare to host No. 11 seed SMU on Saturday in a CFP first-round game.
Franklin praised Pribula for his contributions to the team, saying, “He’s been a phenomenal teammate, has been a big reason why we are where we are right now.” The coach also emphasized that Pribula embraced the challenges of being a backup quarterback, a role that often requires selflessness and patience.
Key Takeaways
- Beau Pribula’s decision to enter the transfer portal highlights the challenges created by the overlap between the CFP and the portal window.
- James Franklin has called for changes to the system, saying it’s not in the best interest of student-athletes or college football as a whole.
- Penn State will now rely on true freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer as the backup quarterback during their CFP run.
As the No. 6 seed in the CFP, Penn State has its sights set on a deep postseason run. However, the timing of Pribula’s departure underscores a larger issue in college football that coaches, players, and administrators will need to address moving forward. For now, the Nittany Lions must focus on the task at hand: taking on SMU and keeping their championship hopes alive.
Originally Written by: Tom VanHaaren
