Penn State football celebrates win at Pinstripe Bowl. Now comes the hard part
Terry Smith stood on the stage in the middle of Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon and kept his message short, with one thought standing out among the rest.
“They had choices,” the interim Penn State head coach said during the trophy presentation after the Nittany Lions defeated Clemson 22-10 in the Pinstripe Bowl. His players could’ve left or stayed, he intimated, and they largely decided on the latter — including defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, who few would’ve blamed for opting out and protecting his NFL draft stock.
“Dani told me after the Rutgers game, he said, ‘Coach, I’m gonna play in this game, and I’m gonna be the MVP’ is what he told me,” Smith said during his postgame press conference. “I know Trebor [Peña] got the MVP, but Dani is my MVP. Because this guy didn’t have to play today. Guys of his caliber and magnitude, a lot of them walk away and just chase the next journey. And that’s OK. There’s nothing negative in that statement. But he chose to come back. And what an outstanding performance.”
The question of whether to play or whether to stay loomed over the Nittany Lions before the Pinstripe Bowl — and it looms even now. But, instead of a bowl, it’s now about who might transfer out of Happy Valley and who might stick with new coach Matt Campbell.
Because that’s where everything turns now. For all the celebration — and there was plenty, with blue confetti falling on the team after the win and players proudly hoisting their new trophy — what comes next will be more important for the future of Penn State football.
Each player on the team will have to decide whether he wants to be at Penn State next year. That starts with the starting quarterback, who is not ready to make a call in either direction just yet.
“I’m not sure on a timeline,” redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer said. “But definitely [will talk to] my parents, talking to God and my agent and seeing what’s best for me.”
Grunkemeyer helped his cause in a major way, whether that’s at Penn State or elsewhere. But he isn’t the only one.
Quinton Martin Jr. ran for over 100 yards and will certainly have increased interest because of it. Andrew Rappleyea showed off his blocking ability at tight end while consistently getting open as a pass catcher. Jahmir Joseph played tight coverage against the Tigers and was able to tack on a pass breakup. Daryus Dixson had three pass breakups while showing he has what it takes to be a No. 1 corner in the future despite being a true freshman.
There is no shortage of Penn State players who increased their value, whether that’s in the transfer portal or back at Penn State. But the reality is players will have to make the decision and inevitably some will stay and some will go — making the Pinstripe Bowl the last time many will see each other on the same sideline.
That’s not true of only the players, either. Several of the staff members have already moved on. And several more will likely do the same. And even Smith will have to shift back to an assistant role under Campbell — a role he’s ready to embrace.
“I’m ready for the next chapter,” Smith said. “I’m ready to pass the torch on to Coach Campbell. He’s an amazing individual and leader. Penn State’s in great hands, and I’m ready to help him achieve greatness.”
For the players, it’s not as straightforward. There are more variables at play — especially when it comes to determining what’s best for their development. Many aren’t ready to make that decision yet. Postgame, several deferred the choice to a later time.
Grunkemeyer said he’s looking forward to hanging out on the bus ride back, failing to contain his smile when he spoke about playing games with his friends on the ride.
Because, even with their decisions looming, Saturday was about all the people in that locker room being a team.
Even if it was for the final time.
This story was originally published December 27, 2025 at 6:46 PM.
