Penn State football freshman quarterback Bekkem Kritza plans to enter the transfer portal, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Kritza has four years of eligibility remaining.

Kritza joined the Nittany Lions in 2025, but didn’t make an appearance sitting behind Drew Allar, Ethan Grunkemeyer, and Jaxon Smolik. The Chandler, Arizona, native has also struggled with injuries this season.

The 6’5″, 199-pound signal caller was a three-star recruit in high school, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, and listed as the No. 97 player in Florida, No. 51 quarterback, and No. 795 player nationally. He chose Penn State over Colorado, Kansas, and Miami.

He leaves a talented quarterback room with Grunkemeyer still looming on his own decision after a strong Pinstripe Bowl performance. The Nittany Lions, though, will likely try to add depth in the position during this transfer portal window. Penn State spent much of 2025 with wide receiver Liam Clifford as the emergency quarterback behind Grunkemeyer due to a slew of injuries.

About the Author

Collin Ward

Collin is a fourth-year majoring in digital/print journalism. He lives in Basking Ridge, New Jersey and enjoys TAYLOR HAM, egg, and cheese. As a New York Giants and Chelsea FC fan you can normally find him yelling at his TV screen on the weekends. Please follow him on X(formerly Twitter) @wardcollinz for Penn State football stuff. You can email him at [email protected].

We’re Not Alone: Penn State Football’s Attendance Issue Follows National Trend

Regardless of conference, success, or vibes, many programs are suffering attendance-wise in 2026.

An Ode To Penn State Football Offensive Lineman Anthony Donkoh

In a time that feels like perpetual darkness in college sports and in Penn State football, Donkoh has been the light.

[Photo Story] Best Fan Costumes From Penn State Football’s Halloween Game

Penn State football on Halloween means you show up in costume.