Jerry Cross transfer portal: Top 5 landing spots for Penn State TE ft. Wisconsin
Penn State is preparing for the Big Ten title game against Oregon, but tight end Jerry Cross isn't part of that preparation.
Cross has left the Nittany Lion team and announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.
Admittedly, Cross wasn't exactly filling stat sheets at Penn State. The four-star recruit from Wisconsin never caught a pass in three seasons with the program.
Given the Nittany Lions' situation with Tyler Warren and five-star recruit Luke Reynolds at tight end, a move certainly makes sense for Cross. Here are five possible landing spots.
Jerry Cross transfer portal: 5 potential landing spots for Penn State TE
5. Purdue
The Boilermakers was a school that recruited Cross significantly out of high school. The appeal of Purdue is pretty self-evident. The Boilermakers, at 1-11, were one of the worst FBS teams in the nation and will clearly offer immediate opportunities at playing time for virtually any transfers.
Meanwhile, for Cross, the school would present the opportunity to stay in the Big Ten. He could also move a bit closer to his Wisconsin roots, and yet be in a situation to enroll in the spring, compete in spring practice, and move forward in two remaining seasons as a likely starter. Purdue wouldn't be a bad move.
4. Arizona State
One school jumps off the list of recruiting finalists for Cross. The TE is from Milwaukee and most of his school options were, at least, fairly close to home. The one outsider is Arizona State. The Sun Devils also could be a game from joining Penn State in the College Football Playoff this season.
Most of the teams on Cross' potential list represent a step down in terms of potential to win. But if he decides he really wants to start from scratch, move to sunnier climes and still compete for a championship, Arizona State could scratch an itch.
Cross might decide to make his second college experience very different from his first and that could help ASU.
3. Northern Illinois
Another possibility that might appeal to Cross would be taking a step down in competition. The only non-power four school on Cross' initial recruiting list is the Huskies. Having just finished a 7-5 season, Northern Illinois would definitely benefit from adding a 6-foot-6 veteran tight end.
Meanwhile, Cross, much as with Purdue, could avail himself of a significant opportunity for day one playing time at UNI. Many players who have spent three seasons buried in the depth chart of a prestigious program like Penn State prefer a safe landing.
The easiest place to play in 2025 for Cross could be Northern Illinois, which might give it some genuine pull.
2. Iowa
The Hawkeyes could be a possibility for Cross. Luke Lachey has been a standout at Iowa, but he's a senior. While the Iowa depth chart has some other standouts, Cross would certainly add something to the room.
The potential issue for Cross is that Iowa's morbid offense is incredibly run-heavy. Even Lachey, who is a standout tight end, has just 27 catches because the Hawkeyes base their program around defense and running the football.
But if the style of play doesn't deter Cross, he could stay in the Big Ten and still play for a competitive program at Iowa. It's an intriguing option.
1. Wisconsin
Sometimes, there's no place like home. Cross somehow escaped from Wisconsin out of high school, but the Badgers could use him at home. Wisconsin went just 5-7 last year and more directly relevant to Cross, no tight end caught more than 12 passes. There's clearly a vacancy.
Meanwhile, Cross could stay in the Big Ten, could return to his home state, and could probably have a very good shot at immediate playing time with the Badgers.
The situation stacks up very well for the home state power to nab the four-star standout it missed the first time. It's early in Cross' re-recruitment, but don't sleep on the Badgers as a very real possibility.
What do you think of Cross's potential destinations? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!