A Fresh Wave of Talent in the Big Ten
Penn State’s men’s soccer program has been highlighted by the Big Ten’s recent selection of three Nittany Lions as Players to Watch for the upcoming season, underscoring the impact of fresh talent on the roster.
Defender Joe Buckley, who will join the team in 2026 after a stint in the USL Championship with Lexington SC and Orange County SC, also spent time training at FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy in Spain. His defensive skill set and experience in professional second‑tier leagues position him as a key piece of the back line.
Midfielder Noah Forster arrives from Germany, where he established himself as a mainstay in Fortuna Düsseldorf’s Regionalliga side and logged minutes for the under‑19 and under‑17 squads of Bonner SC and Fortuna Cologne. The move to State College adds a seasoned defensive presence bolstered by Bundesliga youth exposure.
Freshman goalkeeper Deniel Peluffo‑Wiese, a Uruguayan international, is slated to start between the posts. He previously trained with the New York Red Bulls academy, played for SpVgg Unterhaching in the German Bundesliga, and represented Uruguay at the under‑20 level, including a notable appearance at the 2022 South American Games.
The Nittany Lions will open their campaign on August 20 against Mercyhurst, with the match streamed on BIG+ at 7 p.m. The broadcast will showcase the trio’s debut and give fans a first look at how the new additions mesh with returning players.
Coaches and analysts alike point to the defensive depth and international perspective each player brings, suggesting that Penn State’s back line could be one of the most intriguing storylines in the conference this fall.