Even though Penn State’s season finished less than twenty-four hours ago, the program is still active on the transfer site. And it appears James Franklin has something to rejoice over after the heartbreak of the Orange Bowl. What is it? A fresh pledge? Perhaps! The transfer portal appears to have become a new home for a star offensive lineman. Although the No. 6 seed PSU’s CFP run ended on Thursday night, they received positive news on Friday that will keep them occupied and prevent them from wasting any time in bolstering their offensive side.

According to PSU writer Lyle Alenstein’s most recent X post, Penn State has secured a transfer pledge from former Texas A&M offensive lineman TJ Shanahan Jr. In 2024, the 6-feet-4, 315-lb offensive tackle burned his redshirt while playing in nine games for the Aggies, including five starts. Shanahan will still be eligible for three more years. He was the eighth-ranked interior OL in the country and a four-star candidate in the 2023 class when he graduated from high school.

Teams including Oregon, Vols, Notre Dame, Georgia, Texas, PSU, Miami, LSU, Bama, SMU, and many more extended offers to TJ Shanahan Jr. at that time. In September 2022, however, he decided to dismiss them all and pledge to the Aggies and former HC Jimbo Fisher. Perhaps there was a good cause, given his unofficial visits to Miami, A&M, LSU, Florida, and UCF. However, the sound rationale now appears to come to an end and proceed to a different direction.

Before keeping his redshirt, the Orlando native participated in three games during his debut season with A&M in 2023. According to 247Sports, he was ranked as the 27th interior OL in the nation. Safe to say, during his recruiting phase, Shanahan had an initial offer from Penn State as well. But he is now going to Happy Valley in a large grab for the Lions. However, what is the situation at Penn State under James Franklin after his commitment?

A sneak peek of James Franklin’s 2025 dynasty

Although the offensive line play was strong, center Nick Dawkins and right defense Sal Wormley were both red-shirt seniors. As a result, James Franklin’s OC Andy Kotelnicki, and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, must strengthen the interior. And you know, Drew Allar will return to Happy Valley for his final season in 2025, another good news for Franklin.

But, in that case, Shanahan gives Allar and Ethan Grunkemeyer the best of both worlds because he has enough remaining years to be a vital member of the offensive line for years to come. Should he become the replacement? However, if he is selected for the starting lineup, his 13 SEC games should make the adjustment period much slower.

As of now, Shanahan joins Troy WR Devonte Ross and USC WR Kyron Hudson as the third offensive transfer. Along with that, he is the fourth incoming transfer for PSU. But he is not the first one who transferred from Texas A&M to Penn State. Before Shanahan, Enai White, a DE and native of Penns., joined PSU earlier in this offseason.

With its powerful offensive linemen, let’s now see James Franklin’s program performance in 2025.