Penn State Reloads: Nittany Lions Add 50 Newcomers, Including 39 Transfers, Under Matt Campbell
Matt Campbell’s first full offseason at the helm of Penn State football is already making waves. On Friday, the Nittany Lions announced the addition of 50 new players to the 2026 roster - a haul that includes a staggering 39 transfers and 11 high school signees. If there was any doubt about Campbell’s intent to reshape this team quickly, it’s been put to rest.
This isn’t just a numbers game either. The transfer group is deep, experienced, and battle-tested, with 34 of the 39 players coming from Power 4 programs.
That includes a heavy Big 12 influence - 28 players - which makes sense given Campbell’s long tenure at Iowa State. Familiarity matters, and it’s clear he’s bringing in guys who already know his system and expectations.
Transfer Breakdown: Depth at Every Level
Let’s start with the transfers. This group touches every position on the field, and then some: two quarterbacks, two running backs, five wide receivers, three tight ends, seven offensive linemen, seven defensive linemen, five linebackers, six defensive backs, a kicker, and a punter. It’s a full roster infusion, and the positional balance suggests a strategic approach - not just grabbing talent, but filling specific needs.
At quarterback, Penn State adds Rocco Becht and Alex Manske - both from Iowa State - giving the Lions two signal-callers who’ve had time in Campbell’s system. Becht, a redshirt senior, brings experience and poise, while Manske, a redshirt freshman, offers long-term upside.
In the backfield, Carson Hansen and James Peoples arrive with different styles but similar potential. Hansen, another Iowa State product, is a bruiser at 6-2, 220 pounds. Peoples, coming from Ohio State, adds speed and versatility.
The wide receiver room gets an injection of size and athleticism, headlined by 6-5 redshirt freshman Karon Brookins and 6-3 veteran Chase Sowell. Add in Keith Jones Jr., Brett Eskildsen, and Zay Robinson, and suddenly the receiving corps looks deeper and more dynamic.
Tight end is another position that’s quietly loaded up. Benjamin Brahmer, Gabe Burkle, and Cooper Alexander all bring size - each standing at 6-4 or taller - and experience, particularly in blocking schemes that Campbell has leaned on in the past.
The offensive line sees a major overhaul with seven additions, including Hunter Albright, Trevor Buhr, and Kuol Kuol II. These aren’t just bodies - they’re big, physical linemen who’ve played meaningful snaps. Vaea Ikakoula, at 6-3 and 355 pounds, adds serious mass up front.
Defensively, the Lions bring in seven defensive linemen, including Keanu Williams (Oregon/UCLA) and Siale Taupaki (UCLA). That’s Power 4 pedigree with size and strength to match. Armstrong Nnodim and Ike Ezeogu also bring experience and interior presence.
At linebacker, Caleb Bacon, Kooper Ebel, and Cael Brezina - all from Iowa State - headline a group that’s long, athletic, and familiar with Campbell’s defensive philosophy. Chris Fileppo (West Virginia) and John Klosterman round out a unit that should compete immediately for reps.
The secondary gets a boost too, with six defensive backs joining the fold. Jeremiah Cooper, Omarion Davis, and Ibn McDaniels bring versatility and range, while Jamison Patton and Marcus Neal Jr. add physicality. Hunter Sowell, a redshirt freshman, is a developmental piece with upside.
Special teams weren’t overlooked either. Cristiano Rosa (kicker) and Nathan Tiyce (punter) add competition and depth in the kicking game.
High School Signees: Building for the Future
While the transfer portal is the headline, the high school class shouldn’t be ignored. Eleven signees bring long-term potential, with a mix of size, athleticism, and positional versatility.
Quarterbacks Kase Evans and Peyton Falzone both stand over 6-3 and bring strong arms. D’Antae Sheffey, a local standout from State College, is a dynamic running back who could make noise early. Christian Askew and Tyrell Chatman are rangy defensive backs with upside, and Amarion Jackson is listed as an athlete - a do-it-all type who could fit in multiple roles.
On the lines, Jackson Ford and Mason Bandhauer bring size and raw power, while Ben Whitver adds depth at wide receiver.
A Clear Vision from Campbell
What we’re seeing here is a clear blueprint. Campbell isn’t just rebuilding - he’s reloading with players who know his system, fit his culture, and bring experience from major programs. The Iowa State pipeline is strong, but so is the national reach, with players coming in from Ohio State, UCLA, Oregon, Syracuse, and more.
This kind of roster turnover is rare, even in the transfer portal era. But it speaks to the urgency and clarity Campbell is bringing to Happy Valley. With 50 new faces - and many of them ready to contribute right away - Penn State fans should expect a very different-looking team in 2026.
It’s early, but one thing’s for sure: the Campbell era is off to an aggressive, calculated, and ambitious start.