Penn State Reloads: 37 New Faces Join Nittany Lions in Massive Roster Overhaul
It’s been a whirlwind offseason in Happy Valley. Penn State saw over 40 players hit the transfer portal, but the Nittany Lions didn’t sit back and lick their wounds. Instead, they reloaded with 37 additions from across the college football landscape - including a staggering 22 players from head coach Matt Campbell’s former program, Iowa State.
This kind of roster turnover is rare, even in today’s transfer-heavy era. But with Campbell now at the helm, it’s clear he’s bringing his guys, his system, and his culture to Penn State. Let’s break down the new arrivals by position and take a closer look at how this influx of talent could shape the next chapter of Nittany Lions football.
Quarterback Room: Familiar Faces, Fresh Competition
Penn State’s quarterback room is getting a complete makeover - and it’s got Campbell’s fingerprints all over it. Rocco Becht and Alex Manske, both from Iowa State, headline the group. Becht brings starting experience and familiarity with Campbell’s offense, while Manske is a promising young arm who could develop into a long-term option.
Joining them is Connor Barry from Christopher Newport, adding depth and a different perspective from the Division III level. This trio sets the stage for a wide-open QB competition heading into spring ball.
Backfield Boost: New Blood at Running Back
Carson Hansen, another Iowa State product, brings a physical, downhill style that fits well in Campbell’s run-heavy schemes. He’ll be joined by James Peoples, a former Ohio State commit with high-end upside. Peoples is a dynamic runner with burst and vision - a potential game-changer if he clicks in this system.
Wide Receivers: Speed and Familiarity
Campbell didn’t just bring a few receivers - he brought a whole unit. Chase Sowell, Brett Eskildsen, Karon Brookins, and Zay Robinson all make the jump from Ames to State College. Add Grambling transfer Keith Jones Jr. to the mix, and you’ve got a group that’s both deep and diverse in skill sets.
Sowell and Robinson offer speed and route-running polish, while Eskildsen and Brookins bring size and physicality. Jones Jr. adds a wildcard element - a playmaker who could surprise in the slot or on special teams.
Tight Ends: A Trio From Iowa State
Campbell clearly values the tight end position, and he’s bringing three of his guys with him: Benjamin Brahmer, Gabe Burkle, and Cooper Alexander. All three were part of Iowa State’s rotation, and they’ll now compete for snaps in a new-look offense that should lean heavily on multiple tight end sets.
Offensive Line: Building From the Trenches
If there’s one area Campbell didn’t overlook, it’s the offensive line. Five linemen from Iowa State are making the move - Will Tompkins, Kuol Kuol II, Trebor Buhr, Vaea Ikakoula, and Tyshon Huff. That group brings cohesion and familiarity with Campbell’s blocking schemes, which should help smooth the transition.
They’re joined by Brock Riker from Texas State and Huff from Tiffin, giving Penn State a mix of experience, size, and developmental upside across the front five.
Defensive Line: Size, Depth, and Disruption
On the edge, Alijah Carnell and Ikenna Ezeogu (both from Iowa State) will look to bring pressure off the edge, while Alexander McPherson (Colorado) adds length and athleticism.
Inside, it’s a full-on overhaul. Keanu Williams (UCLA), Armstrong Nnondim (Oklahoma State), Dallas Vakalahi (Utah), and Siale Taupaki (UCLA) give Penn State serious beef in the middle. This group has the potential to be the backbone of the new-look defense - big, physical, and built to stop the run.
Linebackers: Campbell’s Core
Linebacker might be the most Iowa State-heavy position group on the roster. Caleb Bacon, Cael Brezina, and Kooper Ebel all followed Campbell east, and they’re joined by Chris Fileppo from West Virginia.
This unit should be the heart of the defense - smart, tough, and well-versed in Campbell’s system. Bacon, in particular, could be a leader from day one.
Secondary: Rebuilt From the Ground Up
The cornerback room gets a boost with Ibn McDaniels from Syracuse, while the safety group is now stacked with Iowa State influence. Marcus Neal Jr., Jamison Patton, and Jeremiah Cooper all make the move, and they’re joined by Omarion Davis from Boston College.
Cooper is a name to watch - a playmaker with ball-hawking instincts and the versatility to line up all over the field.
Special Teams: Quiet but Crucial Additions
Special teams don’t always get the headlines, but they win games. Penn State adds punter Nathan Tiyce from Mississippi State and kicker Cristiano Rosa from James Madison. Both bring experience and could step into starting roles immediately.
What It All Means
This isn’t just a few transfers to plug holes - this is a full-scale rebuild with a clear identity. Matt Campbell is bringing his blueprint to Penn State, and he’s bringing the players who know how to run it. From the quarterbacks to the defensive line, this roster has been reshaped in Campbell’s image.
It’s a bold move, but it’s also a calculated one. With 37 new faces and a heavy Iowa State influence, the 2026 Nittany Lions will look very different - and that might be exactly what they need.