Penn State’s Terry Smith offers updates on coaching staff, opt-outs ahead of Pinstripe Bowl

Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith met with media members on a video conference call on Thursday morning ahead of the Lions’ Pinstripe Bowl matchup with Clemson at Yankee Stadium.

Smith said as of Thursday morning, only four Penn State veterans have opted out: defensive tackle Zane Durant, running back Nick Singleton, safety Zakee Wheatley and offensive guard Vega Ioane.

It should also be noted veteran corner Elliot Washington plans to enter the transfer portal and is not with the team.

Jim Knowles, who will be Tennessee’s defensive coordinator next season, will not coach in the bowl game.

Smith said safeties coach Anthony Poindexter will be the defensive coordinator, with Andy Kotelnicki calling the offensive plays and Justin Lustig continuing as special teams coordinator.

As far as Penn State State position coaches for the Clemson game, Smith said Phil Trautwein will coach the offensive line, Trace McSorley will coach the quarterbacks and Bill Queisert will coach the tight ends.

Queisert is listed in the PSU media guide as assistant offensive line coach.

Ty Howle, Penn State’s tight ends coach during the regular season, has left to become offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech.

Trautwein is leaving Penn State to become the Florida offensive line coach in 2026.

Danny O’Brien, the PSU quarterbacks coach during the regular season, is also heading to Virginia Tech.

Penn State (6-6) and Clemson (7-5) will meet on Dec. 27.