Penn State readies for 2026 kickoff
The Nittany Lions will open the season on September 5 at Beaver Stadium, facing Marshall in a matchup that marks the start of a highly anticipated campaign.
Head coach Matt Campbell has been busy finalizing a roster that blends seasoned veterans with a wave of new talent, aiming to sustain the program’s upward trajectory.
At the heart of the offense, senior quarterback Rocco Becht returns as the most experienced signal‑caller in the nation, providing leadership and poise under center.
Backup quarterbacks Alex Manske, medically cleared after surgery, and Connor Barry, a Division III All‑American, give the team depth and flexibility as the schedule unfolds.
Running back Carson Hansen anchors the backfield, while James Peoples and Quinton Martin are expected to share carries, with Peoples poised to deliver flashy plays and Martin eyeing a larger role as the season progresses.
The receiving corps features starters Chase Sowell, Brett Eskildsen and Koby Howard, complemented by backups Zay Robinson and Keith Jones, while tight end Ben Brahmer headlines a unit projected to be a national breakout.
Building the line and the defense
The offensive line will be anchored by sophomore center Brock Riker and juniors Trevor Buhr and Cooper Cousins, with freshman left tackle Malachi Goodman drawing particular attention for his development at the position.
Defensively, seniors Siale Taupaki and Keanu Williams lead a line that also includes sophomore Yvan Kemajou and junior Ike Ezeogu, promising pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
In the linebacker corps, junior Tony Rojas and senior Kooper Ebel start, with Alex Tatsch providing additional depth, while the secondary relies on experienced seniors Audavion Collins and Marcus Neal Jr., alongside sophomore cornerback Daryus Dixson and safety Jeremiah Cooper, who returns from a 2025 injury.
Special teams will be anchored by junior kicker Ryan Barker, sophomore punter Nathan Tiyce, and versatile returners Zion Tracy and Quinton Martin, adding another layer of dynamism.
The overall goal is clear: break a three‑year receiving drought and compete strongly against all opponents, beginning with the Marshall opener.