Penn State’s defensive front is getting a serious makeover - and it’s coming with some extra heft.
With the defensive line now under the shared guidance of Ikaika Malloe (DL coach) and Christian Smith (edge rushers coach), the Nittany Lions have brought in a wave of new talent up front. Seven transfers are joining the fold, and if there’s one thing they all bring to the table, it’s size. This group isn’t just about plugging holes - it’s about reshaping the identity of the defensive line.
Bulk Up Front
From the moment Malloe arrived in Happy Valley, it was clear he had a mission: get bigger, get stronger, and dominate the trenches. That mission is already taking shape with the additions of UCLA’s Keanu Williams and Siale Taupaki, Utah’s Dallas Vakalahi, Iowa State’s Ike Ezeogu and Alijah Carnell, Colorado’s Alexander McPherson, and Oklahoma State’s Armstrong Nnodim.
Williams headlines the size parade at a towering 6-foot-5, 320 pounds - a build that immediately brings to mind former Penn State anchor PJ Mustipher. Taupaki (6-2, 310) and Vakalahi (6-2, 318) aren’t far behind, and all three bring the kind of interior presence that can clog running lanes and eat up double teams.
Nnodim checks in at 6-foot-2, 290 pounds and still has room to grow into his frame. Meanwhile, on the edge, McPherson (6-foot-6, 240) and Ezeogu (6-foot-5, 285) bring length and versatility, with McPherson already flashing special teams potential - he blocked a punt against Delaware last season, and that kind of athleticism could earn him early reps on game day.
Carnell is another intriguing piece. At 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, he’s a hybrid lineman who’s seen snaps at nose tackle, defensive tackle, and defensive end. That positional flexibility makes him a valuable chess piece for a defense that’s evolving under new coordinator D’Anton Lynn.
Reinforcing the Run Defense
Penn State’s run defense ranked 11th in the Big Ten last season, allowing 142.3 yards per game - not exactly the standard the program holds itself to. That’s where this new wave of linemen can make an immediate difference.
Keanu Williams looks like the centerpiece of that effort. The redshirt senior totaled 39 tackles and 13 run stops in 2025, earning a 68.3 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus.
He’s a powerful, disciplined gap defender who doesn’t just occupy space - he finishes plays. Williams also played under Lynn back at UCLA in 2023, where he posted a strong 73.9 run defense grade on 111 snaps.
That familiarity with the system could fast-track his impact in Happy Valley.
Taupaki and Vakalahi are natural fits next to Williams in Lynn’s scheme. Both have the size and strength to hold their ground inside, and their ability to two-gap gives Penn State flexibility in how it wants to align its front.
McPherson, while more known for his length and athleticism, showed flashes against the run at Colorado. He wasn’t a featured player in their run defense - ranking 21st on the team in snaps in that category - but when he was on the field, he showed good instincts and pursuit.
Limited Pass-Rush Help - For Now
While the run defense got a serious injection of size and depth, the pass rush additions are more of a work-in-progress.
McPherson is the most promising edge rusher in the group. He racked up 10 pressures as a true freshman and had programs like Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, and Auburn sniffing around before choosing Penn State. His combination of length, hand usage, and burst gives him a high ceiling - and he could be a breakout candidate if he continues to develop.
Ezeogu, on the other hand, had 14 pressures last season at Iowa State, but struggled with consistency. His 4.3% pass-rush win rate ranked among the lowest in the country. He’s got the frame and motor, but will need refinement to become a reliable contributor on passing downs.
Inside, Taupaki was the most productive pass rusher of the group in 2025. Despite playing 66 fewer pass-rush snaps than Williams, he still finished second on UCLA’s defensive line with nine pressures and added a sack. He’s not just a space-eater - he can push the pocket and collapse the interior.
Nnodim chipped in with five quarterback hits and a sack last season. Still just a redshirt sophomore, he’s a developmental piece with upside.
Vakalahi didn’t record a sack in 2025, but did notch two the year before. He’ll need to show more consistency to earn pass-rush reps in this rotation.
What It All Means
This transfer haul wasn’t about flashy sack numbers or highlight-reel plays - it was about building a foundation. Penn State clearly prioritized size, versatility, and physicality up front. The goal is to stop the run, control the line of scrimmage, and wear down opposing offenses over four quarters.
With Williams, Taupaki, and Vakalahi anchoring the middle, and McPherson offering edge potential and special teams value, the Nittany Lions are stacking the kind of depth and size that wins games in November.
The pass rush? That’s still a question mark. But if even one or two of these additions can develop into consistent disruptors, Penn State’s defensive line could quietly become one of the more formidable units in the Big Ten.
For now, the message is clear: this front is bigger, deeper, and built for the grind.