Penn State is gearing up for the 2026 football season as veteran coach Matt Campbell takes the helm, introducing a fresh philosophy to a program that has reshaped its roster with more than 50 new additions.
Among the newcomers is redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Liam Andrews, whose journey from an offensive line recruit to a versatile defensive tackle/end illustrates the fluidity of modern college football.
Versatility as a strategic asset
Andrews has logged reps at both defensive tackle and end, allowing the coaching staff to experiment with hybrid fronts that can keep opponents guessing, especially in Big Ten matchups.
His physical transformation — adding roughly 30 pounds in his first year — has helped him anchor the line, while his academic performance earned him a place on the Academic All‑Big Ten list.
Projected as a reserve but with the potential to become a key rotational piece, Andrews embodies the depth and adaptability that Campbell hopes will define Penn State’s defense in the coming years.