NCAA Extends Eligibility for Penn State Punter Riley Thompson

Thompson, who was honorable mention All-Big Ten this season, receives two more seasons of eligibility.

Penn State received some good news from the NCAA recently, as punter Riley Thompson was approved for two more seasons of college eligibility. Thompson announced the news on social media.

"I have absolutely loved my first season playing in front of you guys at Beaver Stadium," Thompson wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "I am so thrilled to announce that I have been approved by the NCAA for a two-year extension to my eligibility clock through the 2025 season. I can't wait to be back out there with my teammates and in front of you."

Stoked to be back. pic.twitter.com/ubkK314cwC

— Riley Thompson (@rathompson_) December 9, 2023

Thompson, who transferred to Penn State last year from Florida Atlantic, was named honorable mention All-Big Ten after ranking fourth in the conference in punt average (45.4 yards) and in punts of 50+ yards (13). Thompson was the only punter Penn State used this season. 

Thompson played just one season of college football at Florida Atlantic, where he was All-Conference USA in 2022, but Penn State listed him as a senior on its 2023 roster. That resulted from Thompson having attended college in his native Australia (he's from Melbourne). Ultimately, the NCAA updated Thompson's eligibility clock to his first season at Florida Atlantic, giving him more two seasons of college football.

Punter Alex Bacchetta recently entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after two seasons at Penn State.

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