Penn State has placed nine of its players on Athlon Sports' preseason All-Big Ten squads for the 2026 season, a projection that highlights the program’s depth and the expectations placed on its returning and newly arrived talent.
Preseason Recognition Across the Board
Among the honorees, transfer Benjamin Brahmer, who arrived from Iowa State, earned a second-team nod on the offensive side of the ball. Brahmer’s 2025 production — 37 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns — caught the eye of head coach Matt Campbell, who praised the player’s physicality and readiness to contribute immediately.
Brahmer also received recognition from Phil Steele, landing on the outlet’s preseason All-America third team and Athlon’s fourth team, underscoring the consensus around his potential impact.
On the defensive side, transfers Caleb Bacon and Marcus Neal were selected to the second team, with Neal slated to be a standout presence in the secondary. Neal’s own preseason accolades include a spot on Phil Steele’s All-America team, and coach Campbell has voiced confidence that he will be a key playmaker for the Nittany Lions.
The rest of the All-Big Ten selections round out a mix of returning starters and additional transfers. Running back Carson Hansen and right tackle Anthony Donkoh earned third-team offensive honors, while receiver Chase Sowell secured a fourth-team slot. Linebackers Tony Rojas and safety Jeremiah Cooper were placed on the defensive third team, both navigating recoveries from season-ending ACL injuries. Kicker Ryan Barker rounded out the unit with a third-team specialist designation.
A Blend of Experience and New Faces
What makes this year’s list particularly intriguing is the balance between proven contributors and fresh blood. Penn State’s coaching staff has emphasized continuity while welcoming transfers who bring proven performance at the Power Five level.
The staff’s strategy reflects a calculated risk: integrate talent that has already excelled elsewhere while nurturing home-grown players who are now fully healthy. This approach aims to translate preseason accolades into on-field success when the regular season begins.
Injuries have shaped some of the selections, with Rojas and Cooper’s recoveries illustrating the team’s resilience. Their presence on the third-team defense suggests they could reclaim starting roles as soon as they are fully fit.
Overall, the nine preseason honorees set a high bar for the Nittany Lions, signaling that the program expects to compete at the top of the Big Ten in 2026. The blend of experienced returnees, impactful transfers and promising newcomers creates a narrative that fans and analysts will watch closely.