Former Penn State QB Finds New Opportunity at Alabama A&M

In the ever-changing landscape of college football, the transfer portal has become a gateway for players seeking new opportunities, and Bekkem Kritza is the latest example of this trend. The former Penn State quarterback has announced his decision to continue his collegiate career at Alabama A&M, an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) program, showcasing the growing interconnectedness between the HBCU community and the broader college football ecosystem.

Kritza, a three-star recruit and the lone quarterback signee in Penn State's 2023 class, never saw game action during his time in Happy Valley. Like many young signal-callers at the Power Four level, he spent his first season developing behind the scenes while navigating a crowded depth chart. However, in December 2025, Kritza made the decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, seeking a new opportunity to showcase his talents.

Alabama A&M, an FCS program in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), has now become the next stop in Kritza's journey.

Kritza's high school football résumé is impressive, with stops across Colorado, California, and Florida, along with strong production when he was able to settle into a role. As a freshman at Fairview High School in Colorado, he threw for 3,192 yards and 22 touchdowns, and later at Fairview, he posted 1,747 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior, completing over 65% of his passes.

"I think that kid is unbelievable," said Penn State director of player personnel Kenny Sanders. "He might have the best raw arm talent I've ever seen coming out of high school."

Moves like Kritza's are becoming more common, especially at the quarterback position. As Power Four programs continue to stack talent, young quarterbacks often face longer waits to see the field. At the same time, HBCU programs have become legitimate landing spots for players with high-level recruiting backgrounds seeking a better chance to get on the field and showcase their skills.

HBCUConnect.com Perspective: The story of Bekkem Kritza's transfer from Penn State to Alabama A&M is significant for the HBCU community. It showcases the growing role of HBCUs in the broader college football landscape, providing talented players like Kritza with opportunities to compete and develop their skills. This move not only benefits Kritza but also highlights the attractiveness of HBCU programs to prospective student-athletes, as they seek to maximize their playing time and exposure. As the transfer portal era continues to reshape college football, stories like this demonstrate the growing importance and influence of HBCUs within the sport.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.