College football is back. The Nittany Lions showed up early and took their first win of the Matt Campbell era by a score of 45-0 over Sun Belt side Marshall.

After the turnover involving James Franklin’s departure, a long list of former Penn Staters were active this weekend outside of Happy Valley. Many of those were a part of former head coach James Franklin’s squad at Virginia Tech.

Here’s how the former Penn State players fared in Week 1.

Ethan Grunkemeyer, Virginia Tech

Former Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer led the Hokies to a dominant 73-3 win over VMI.

Grunkemeyer started his season completing 17 of 20 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. He left the game in the third quarter with the team up 52-0.

Jabree Coleman, South Carolina

Jabree Coleman had a breakout day for the Gamecocks in a 57-0 win against Kent State, which happened to be his first college football appearance. Coleman rushed for 77 yards on four attempts and scored two touchdowns.

Coleman did not see the field at Penn State, making him a redshirt freshman at South Carolina.

Jaxon Smolik, Temple

Former backup quarterback Jaxon Smolik took his first snaps as a starter for the Owls on Saturday, leading the team to a 38-14 win over Rhode Island. Smolik completed four of six passes for 57 yards and one touchdown.

Aaron Enterline, Towson

Wide receiver Aaron Enterline recorded his second touchdown of the season in Towson’s loss to Navy. Enterline caught two receptions, including the touchdown, for 69 yards.

Enterline did not record a stat during his two years with Penn State.

Luke Reynolds, Virginia Tech

Former Penn State tight end Luke Reynolds caught five receptions for 50 yards in the Hokies’ dominant win.

After following Franklin to Virginia Tech following a lackluster sophomore season, Reynolds connected with another familiar face, Grunkemeyer, for a touchdown during the win.

Mylachi Williams, Virginia Tech

Another Hokie on the list, Mylachi Williams recorded three tackles, including a sack, in the win against VMI. Williams recorded only one tackle during his time with Penn State in 2025.

Cortez Harris, Virginia Tech

Defensive lineman Cortez Harris also recorded three tackles, including a sack, in Virginia Tech’s win. Harris did not record a stat in two appearances with Penn State in his freshman season.

Amare Campbell, Tennessee

Linebacker Amare Campbell recorded six tackles in Tennessee’s 56-9 win over Furman.

Campbell followed former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Tennessee after earning Third Team All-Big Ten honors in his junior season at Penn State.

Keon Wylie, Virginia Tech

Linebacker Keon Wylie recorded four tackles and half a sack in the Hokies’ win.

Wylie found success during his time with the Nittany Lions, but will have room for improvement under Franklin at Virginia Tech in his redshirt senior year.

Tyseer Denmark, Virginia Tech

Wide receiver Tyseer Denmark recorded two receptions for 36 yards in Virginia Tech’s win.

Denmark saw limited action across two seasons with the Nittany Lions.

Xavier Gilliam, Tennessee

Defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam had a breakout day against Furman, recording six tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

Gilliam was a big part of the Penn State defense last season, but ultimately decided to take his talents to Tennessee this season.

Elliot Washington II, Clemson

Cornerback Elliot Washington II recorded seven tackles in Clemson’s 51-10 loss to LSU.

Last season, Washington recorded 18 total tackles for the Nittany Lions.

Kolin Dinkins, Temple

Safety Kolin Dinkins recorded three tackles in Temple’s win over Rhode Island.

Daniel Jennings, Virginia Tech

Defensive end Daniel Jennings has two tackles in Virginia Tech’s win.

Jennings did not see the field at Penn State and is recording his first college football stats.

Zuriah Fisher, USC

Defensive end Zuriah Fisher recorded two tackles in USC’s 39-0 win over Fresno State.

Fisher’s Penn State career was defined by injuries, and he looks for a new chance during his sixth season.

Other Notable Performances:

• Defensive tackle Randy Adirika recorded one tackle in Virginia Tech’s win
• Safety Dejuan Lane had one tackle in Tennessee’s win
• Linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson had one tackle in USC’s win.
• Linebacker Anthony Speca recorded one tackle in Purdue’s 44-19 win over Indiana State
• San Jose State wide receiver Anthony Ivey did not record any positive stats in the win against Eastern Michigan, but he recorded a fumble.
• Delaware defensive lineman Sam Siafa recorded one tackle in the win against Merrimack.
• Safety Lamont Payne recorded a tackle in Delaware State’s loss to William & Mary.