Penn State’s left tackle job is shaping up to be one of the more interesting battles in fall camp, and Matt Campbell isn’t hiding from it.
With practice underway in early August, Campbell has a handful of spots that need his attention before the regular season begins, but left tackle stands out. The offensive line has been turned over after multi-year starters who had spent years building chemistry moved on to the NFL after 2025, leaving the Nittany Lions to sort out a new look up front.
Campbell addressed the position in a radio interview, and according to Zach Seyko, he made it clear this is a competition worth tracking.
Penn State HC Matt Campbell tells Jeff Byers on his radio show that left tackle will be a camp battle to watch.
Campbell did not single out a favorite, but Malachi Goodman, Owen Aliciene, Garrett Sexton will most likely all factor into that spot.
- Zach Seyko (@zach_seyko) July 21, 2026
Goodman is the name drawing the most attention. He redshirted as a true freshman in 2025, but that didn’t mean he was short on talent or development. In practice, he spent time working against former Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton and steadily improved along the way.
After choosing to stay in Happy Valley even after former head coach James Franklin left, Goodman may be in line to see that patience pay off right away.
"Goodman is one of the most talented guys I've ever seen with my own two eyes," offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Taylor Mouser told 247Sports in the spring.
The numbers from his recruiting profile back up the buzz. Goodman was a four-star composite prospect in the 2025 class, ranked No. 37 nationally and No. 6 at tackle by Rivals Industry. 247Sports had him as a five-star recruit.
At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he has the kind of frame that jumps off the page, and he has also gotten quicker over the past year. From the outside, it is hard to miss what Penn State has in him.
According to Nittany Sports Now, Goodman has taken reps at both left and right tackle, though it would be a surprise if he is not the one helping anchor quarterback Rocco Becht’s left side in 2026.
Aliciene and Sexton are still very much in the mix. Aliciene appeared in one game as a true freshman in 2025, while Sexton played in all 13 games as a redshirt freshman. Both came out of high school as four-star recruits, and both bring at least a little game experience into the competition.
Even with that edge, Goodman remains the player to beat. He has already impressed Campbell, Mouser and offensive line coach Ryan Clanton, and the best part for Penn State is that he still has room to grow. With his size, strength and upward trajectory, the Nittany Lions look well positioned at left tackle.
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