Penn State’s 2026 football roster is making headlines for its influx of nearly 40 transfers, but let’s not overlook the foundation being laid with its true freshmen. Eleven early enrollees from the high school ranks are already on campus, and while they may not have the experience of their transfer counterparts, this group brings a mix of talent, versatility, and long-term upside that could shape the program’s future under Matt Campbell.
Here’s a closer look at the young Nittany Lions who are getting an early start in Happy Valley.
Christian Askew - Defensive Back, 6-4, 185 (Georgia)
Askew’s recruitment took a turn when Bob Chesney left James Madison for UCLA, opening the door for Penn State to swoop in.
At 6-4, he brings rare length to the secondary - the kind of frame that defensive coordinators love to mold into a matchup weapon against big receivers. He’s raw, but the physical tools are there.
Mason Bandhauer - Offensive Lineman, 6-6, 250 (Colorado)
Bandhauer followed Matt Campbell from Iowa State and brings with him a frame that screams developmental upside.
At 6-6, he’s got the kind of size you can’t teach, and his offer list - including Nebraska, Kansas State, and Kansas - suggests he was on plenty of radars. He’ll need to add weight, but the foundation is solid.
Tyrell Chatman - Defensive Back, 6-2, 170 (Nebraska)
Chatman is another former Iowa State commit who made the move east.
He’s one of four early-enrolling defensive backs in this class and brings positional versatility, having also played quarterback at North Star High School. That experience under center could help him read opposing QBs from the back end of the defense.
Kase Evans - Quarterback, 6-3, 200 (Texas)
Evans is a big-armed quarterback out of Texas who threw for 71 touchdowns over his final two high school seasons.
That’s not just production - that’s command. Like several others in this class, he was originally headed to Iowa State before Campbell made the jump.
His ability to stretch the field vertically could make him a name to watch in future QB battles.
Peyton Falzone - Quarterback, 6-5, 210 (Pennsylvania)
Falzone is one of the few in this class who signed before Campbell took over.
A four-star prospect by both ESPN and On3, the Nazareth Area product flipped from Auburn late in the cycle. His size and pedigree stand out, and with his father, Tom Falzone, coaching him in high school, he’s coming in with a solid football IQ.
Don’t be surprised if he pushes for reps sooner than expected.
Jackson Ford - Defensive End, 6-4, 240 (Pennsylvania)
Ford was the first player to sign with Penn State’s 2026 class, and he’s the kind of high-motor, high-upside edge rusher that every defense needs.
A four-star out of Malvern Prep, Ford had interest from some of the nation’s top programs, including Michigan and Ohio State. He arrives with leadership credentials as a high school captain - always a good sign for early impact potential.
Amarion Jackson - Athlete, 6-2, 185 (Nebraska)
Jackson’s high school production jumps off the page: 188 catches, over 3,300 receiving yards, and 40 touchdowns.
That’s elite-level output. While he’s listed as an “athlete,” his future likely lies at receiver, where his size and ball skills could translate quickly.
He decommitted from Iowa State before landing in Happy Valley, and he brings true playmaker potential.
D’Antae Sheffey - Running Back, 5-11, 180 (Pennsylvania)
Sheffey is a local product who stayed home, and he’s got the numbers to back it up - over 3,800 rushing yards in three seasons at State College Area High School.
He also spent time at Harrisburg High, where he added defensive back duties to his resume. Tough, versatile, and productive, Sheffey had offers from Cincinnati, Pitt, and Missouri before choosing the Lions.
Ben Whitver - Wide Receiver, 6-2, 190 (Virginia)
Whitver came just shy of a 1,000-yard receiving season at Powhatan High School, finishing with 961 yards.
Like Askew, he originally committed to James Madison before circumstances changed. He’s another long, athletic target who could develop into a reliable option in the passing game.
Bryson Williams - Defensive Back, 6-4, 180 (Nebraska)
Williams is one of the more intriguing athletes in this group.
At 6-4, he’s a big-bodied defensive back who also played quarterback and running back in high school. He’s the son of Jamel Williams, a former Nebraska linebacker and two-time national champion, so the football bloodlines are strong.
His versatility and size give Penn State plenty of options for how to use him.
Josiah Zayas - Defensive Back, 6-2, 190 (New Jersey)
Zayas rounds out the early enrollees on defense.
He played at multiple high schools, finishing at Piscataway, and was productive on both sides of the ball. Like several others, he was previously committed to Iowa State before flipping to Penn State.
His size and experience as a wideout could make him a ballhawk in the secondary.
While the spotlight might be on the transfer class - and understandably so - this group of early freshmen enrollees shouldn’t be overlooked. There’s size, speed, and versatility across the board, and several of these players have the tools to become impact contributors down the road. Campbell’s first full class at Penn State is already laying a solid foundation, and these 11 freshmen are a big part of that blueprint.