Penn State’s 2025 football season concluded with a disappointing 6–6 record, placing them 12th in the Big Ten and falling considerably short of the expectations set before the season began. The campaign was marked by a significant transition in leadership, as longtime head coach James Franklin departed to take the helm at Virginia Tech. Franklin, the program’s second-winningest coach with 104 victories, left a notable legacy at Penn State, making his exit a pivotal moment for the program.
This leadership change, along with the mediocre season finish, has sparked increased roster movement as players enter the transfer portal. A highlight of this activity is true freshman edge rusher Chaz Coleman, who announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on December 18. Currently ranked No. 1 in 247Sports’ transfer portal rankings, Coleman is seen as a highly sought-after player, surpassing former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby and others.
In the latest insights from Josh Pate, Ohio State has emerged as the frontrunner for Coleman’s transfer, with Pate praising the player as a potential “future star” whose physical attributes align well with Ohio State’s defensive needs. Coleman made an impression as a freshman, showcasing his skills in a rotational capacity. He finished the season with eight tackles, including three tackles for loss and one sack, along with a forced fumble and two fumble returns for a total of 48 yards.
A four-star recruit prior to his collegiate career, Coleman ranked as the 25th edge prospect and the 8th overall player from Ohio in the 2025 recruiting class according to Rivals. His recruitment attracted offers from over a dozen Power Five programs, including significant interest from Florida State, Michigan State, and, notably, Ohio State.
By transferring to Ohio State, Coleman would not only remain close to his roots in Warren, Ohio, but he would also join a program known for successfully developing NFL-caliber edge players. This combination of personal and professional alignment has many analysts, like Pate, connecting the dots between Coleman and the Buckeyes.
It remains to be seen how this transfer activity unfolds, but the interest in Coleman reflects the dynamic nature of college football rosters and the opportunities that arise as programs navigate change. As he explores his options, the anticipation builds around how Coleman could impact whichever team he joins next.