A Season Built on Experience
Pro Football Focus, the analytics outlet best known for its player grades, released its 2026 top‑50 college football rankings last week, and the list omitted every Penn State participant. The omission underscores a broader narrative that the Nittany Lions will lean heavily on seasoned veterans rather than on raw, elite talent.
Penn State will open its campaign on September 5 when it hosts Marshall at Beaver Stadium, a venue that has become synonymous with the program’s tradition and its passionate fan base.
Among the returning starters, linebacker Tony Rojas stands out as the defensive anchor. After tearing his ACL in 2025, Rojas is entering his senior year with a clear goal: to restore the unit’s identity and to prove that his experience can compensate for any lack of headline‑grabbing recruits.
At the other end of the spectrum, tight end Ben Brahmer brings a rare combination of size and athleticism. At 6‑7, Brahmer is being counted on to become the team’s most potent weapon in the passing game, especially in the red‑zone.
Quarterback Rocco Becht, who took over the starting role last season, is the face of a position group that is still short on depth. His ability to manage the offense while the line rebuilds will be a key determinant of the team’s early‑season rhythm.
Other contributors who could surprise include safety Jeremiah Cooper, a versatile defender who also sees time at cornerback, and wide receiver Chase Sowell, a fifth‑year senior who has battled multiple injuries to stay on the field. Running back Caleb Bacon, a walk‑on who earned all‑Big 12 honors at Iowa State before joining Penn State, adds a gritty work ethic to the backfield.
Marcus Neal Jr., a safety with NFL‑draft aspirations, and Anthony Donkoh, the most experienced offensive lineman returning, round out a unit that blends veteran savvy with untapped upside. Audavion Collins, who started every game at cornerback last year, and kicker Ryan Barker, who tied for the FBS lead in field‑goal percentage, provide additional stability.
Coach Matt Campbell, who has mentored several of these players during their development at Iowa State, has spoken highly of Zion Tracy, labeling him one of the most talented athletes he has ever coached. Campbell’s endorsement adds a layer of external validation to the Nittany Lions’ quietly formidable roster.
While the absence from PFF’s top‑50 may fuel skepticism, the coaching staff and players alike view the rankings as an external benchmark rather than a definitive measure of potential. The focus remains on translating experience into on‑field dominance, starting with the season‑opening showdown against Marshall.