This has been quite the offseason for Penn State.

On Sunday, Cole Cubelic of SEC Network reported that three more Nittany Lions have entered the NCAA transfer portal, upping the number of players who (likely) won’t return to Penn State for the 2019 season. Earlier this week, wide receiver Juwan Johnson’s name was also entered into the database.

The three players were defensive backs Zachariah McPhearson and Lamont Wade, as well as wide receiver Brandon Polk. McPhearson and Wade played in all 13 games for the Nittany Lions in 2018 while Polk appeared in 11 contests.

Wade totaled 18 stops and two tackles for loss while McPhearson tallied eight tackles and two pass break-ups. On the offensive side, Polk had nine receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns.

This news comes after five Penn State players opted to forgo their final season in Happy Valley and declare for the NFL Draft. Those players included RB Miles Sanders, OL Connor McGovern, OL Ryan Bates, DE Shareef Miller and DL Kevin Givens all declared for the draft.

Penn State is also losing star quarterback Trace McSorley and wide receiver DeAndre Thompkins to graduation.

A player entering his name into the NCAA transfer portal doesn’t require him to transfer, but allows that player to explore options with other schools. All three players — along with Johnson — will have the ability to return to Penn State if it’s the best opportunity.

Following a 9-4 season, this isn’t exactly the kind of offseason James Franklin had hoped for.