© Lori Schmidt / Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Chaz Coleman plans to enter the transfer portal in January following his first season at Penn State. He announced the news on social media Thursday evening.
The defensive end is sure to see interest from high-profile suitors. One is expected to come in the form of a nearby conference rival.
After much thought and consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal this coming January to pursue other opportunities. I’d like thank James Franklin and his staff for believing in me and teaching me what it means to believe in myself.
Coleman signed with the Nittany Lions last offseason. At the time, James Franklin was gearing up for a Big Ten Championship appearance. He’d later lead a deep College Football Playoff run.
Fast forward to 2025 and much has changed.
Franklin was fired following a 3-3 start to the season. He’s since been hired by Virginia Tech.
Penn State nabbed Matt Campbell from Iowa State to replace the head coach. Coleman is apparently not sold on his vision.
Chaz Coleman will transfer.
He should have his pick of the litter in terms of future destinations. The defender was once a four-star recruit considered the 10th best player in the state of Ohio.
He’s now rated as a five-star transfer prospect.
As a freshman, Coleman appeared in nine games, racking up eight tackles and a sack. He added three tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
Ohio State figures to be a player in his recruitment. The Buckeyes tried to land his signature the first time around.
Coleman committed to Penn State last November. Ohio State offered ten days later and convinced him to take an official visit to Columbus.
Ultimately, Coleman stuck with the Nittany Lions. Will he return home for his sophomore season?
Ohio State is familiar with Coleman.
The two teams met in Columbus earlier this year. The Buckeyes won, 38-14.
Defensive end Chaz Coleman with a long solo walk off The Shoe after a solid showing.
One of the players Penn State wants to retain. Had a word with an Ohio State staff member before he entered the tunnel. pic.twitter.com/ggaW0lK6RK
— Chase Fisher (@chase_fisher4) November 1, 2025
After the loss, which came three weeks after James Franklin’s firing, viewers took note of what appeared to be a suspicious meetup with an Ohio State staffer.
Were the Buckeyes tampering? That narrative was quickly disproven by local media. The man speaking with Coleman was actually an usher that knew the pass rusher’s family.
Andre Coleman, Chaz’s uncle, played football at nearby Youngstown State. The usher was once his roommate according to those with knowledge of the situation.
Ohio State was not illegally recruiting Coleman to Columbus. Nonetheless, everyone in the state of Ohio seems to be familiar with the defensive end.
The Buckeyes will undoubtedly be in contact when the transfer window opens.