The addition bolsters the depth in an offensive line room that will lose veteran leadership on the interior.
Penn State has made a significant addition to its roster, landing offensive guard TJ Shanahan from the transfer portal. Shanahan, a former four-star recruit from Westlake High School (Austin, TX), joins the Nittany Lions after two seasons at Texas A&M, where he started five games during the 2024 campaign. His arrival couldn’t come at a better time for Penn State, which faces the challenge of replacing key veterans on the offensive line.
Penn State has landed former Texas A&M offensive lineman TJ Shanahan out of the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Shanahan appeared in nine games for the Aggies during the 2024 season. Former four-star recruit who has three years of eligibility remaining.https://t.co/lljwA6BWTd pic.twitter.com/RwMo1C0z0M
— Tyler Calvaruso (@tyler_calvaruso) January 10, 2025
The departures of Nick Dawkins, Sal Wormley, and JB Nelson leave substantial voids in both experience and leadership. Dawkins the anchor at center, and Wormley, a multi-year starter – both brought a blend of physicality, consistency, and vocal leadership to the Nittany Lions offensive line. Nelson, a JUCO transfer who developed into a reliable depth presence, was instrumental in Penn State’s success in recent seasons. Together, they represented the backbone of an interior offensive line that paved the way for the team’s dynamic rushing attack and protected its quarterbacks under pressure.
Shanahan’s pedigree makes him an ideal candidate to help fill that void. A standout at Westlake High School, a powerhouse in Texas 6A football, Shanahan was ranked as the 155th overall player in the 2023 recruiting class by 247 Sports. During his time at Texas A&M, Shanahan gained valuable experience, including five starts in 2024, which showcased his ability to perform against elite competition.
For Penn State, Shanahan’s arrival bolsters the depth and talent of the offensive line, a critical component for sustained success in the rugged Big Ten. As spring practices approach, Shanahan will have an opportunity to compete for a starting role and solidify himself as a key contributor to the Nittany Lions’ offense in 2025.
With Shanahan in the fold, Penn State’s offensive line gains a cornerstone player capable of helping the team navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. His commitment reaffirms the program’s ability to attract top-tier talent and sets the stage for what promises to be another competitive year in Happy Valley.
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