Following some “soul searching,” Penn State defensive end Shane Simmons is officially continuing his football career…but not with the Nittany Lions.

Simmons, who’s coming off his redshirt senior season, announced Monday he’ll enter the NCAA transfer portal to explore potential opportunities. He graduated from Penn State in May 2020 with a degree in communications arts and sciences.

“As much as I loved my time at Penn State, I’ve decided that I need to start this next chapter of my football life with a clean slate and have put my name in the transfer portal,” Simmons wrote Monday. “I’m a proud Penn State alum and letterman, and Penn State will always be a part of who I am.”

Simmons, a former four-star recruit, appeared in all nine of Penn State’s games last season and particularly impressed on Senior Day. He started in two games in 2020 and racked up 16 total tackles, three sacks, four tackles for a loss, and a pass breakup.

Back in December, head coach James Franklin had high praise for Simmons and his contributions to the program.

“Shane did a great job,” Franklin said in December. “He got a lot of reps, played well, and was physical. I’m proud of him. I’m really proud of Shane. I’m a big fan of Shane. I always have been, and I always will be. He’s been a great teammate here for the last five years.”

Simmons will leave Penn State with 44 career appearances under his belt. Over that span, he contributed 59 total tackles 24 solo tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, and a pass breakup.