Penn State football is gearing up for the 2026 season, and the coaching staff has identified a handful of position battles that could shape the lineup.
Position Battles Define the Roster
At running back, Carson Hansen enters as the leading candidate, but he will face stiff competition from James Peoples and Quinton Martin Jr., both of whom are eager to earn starting duties.
The defensive end spot is unsettled after the program lost seven players to the transfer portal; transfers Alexander McPherson and Ikenna Ezeogu are among those vying for the role, while Max Granville, who missed last season and spring drills, is also in the mix.
Uncertainty also surrounds the defensive tackle position, where a wave of transfers has arrived, highlighted by Armstrong Nnodim, a former Oklahoma State standout who could provide immediate impact.
Linebacker corps will see Tony Rojas return from a season‑ending injury, while the team has imported four linebackers from Iowa State, including Kooper Ebel and Caleb Bacon, adding depth and experience.
Finally, the punting game will be contested by freshman Lucas Tenbrock, who is challenging incumbent Nathan Tiyce for the starting role.