Penn State Linebacker DaKaari Nelson is Transferring to NC State

Penn State linebacker DaKaari Nelson (6’3”, 220) is transferring to NC State. He is on an Official Visit in Raleigh this weekend.

NC State has landed a commitment from Penn State LB transfer DaKaari Nelson (@dakaari_nelson), a source tells @CBSSports.

A top 150 recruit in the 2023 class, Nelson has played in 29 career games for the Nittany Lions. https://t.co/R4HQjUO8Do pic.twitter.com/950rYXE2DR

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 17, 2026

Nelson was a consensus four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, with Rivals ranking him as the No. 74 overall player nationally, the No. 3 safety, and the No. 11 player in the state of Alabama.

The former Penn State standout appeared in 29 games during his time in Happy Valley, with most of his experience coming on special teams. He logged 72 career defensive snaps, including just two defensive snaps this past season.

Nelson originally arrived at Penn State as a safety but transitioned to linebacker this year after adding more than 30 pounds to his frame.

Because he appeared in only two games during his true freshman season, Nelson retains two years of eligibility.

A couple practice reps due to limited game reps !!🙈 pic.twitter.com/peFzzaBWvN

— 8Ball 🎱 (@dakaari_nelson) January 8, 2026

Nelson becomes the 13th transfer commitment for NC State this cycle, joining UNC Cornerback Ty White, Texas Offensive Lineman Daniel Cruz, EDGE Harvey Dyson, Alcorn St. Wide Receiver Tyran Warren, UNC Running Back Davion Gause, Montana St. Tight End Hunter Provience, Miami Wide Receiver Chance Robinson, Penn State Safety King Mack, Georgia Cornerback Ondre Evans, Arkansas State punter Jackson Waller, ECU offensive lineman Jimarion McCrimon and Buffalo wide receiver Victor Snow.