Penn State didn’t waste any time making noise in the transfer portal under new head coach Matt Campbell. The Nittany Lions brought in a staggering 39 new players during the first portal window - and 24 of them followed Campbell from Iowa State. That kind of overhaul doesn’t just reshape a roster; it redefines a program’s identity.
Let’s break down 10 of the most intriguing additions who could make an immediate impact in Happy Valley.
Rocco Becht, Quarterback
No surprise here - Rocco Becht is the headline addition, and all signs point to him being Penn State’s starting quarterback in 2026. Becht brings experience, production, and perhaps most importantly, continuity.
He’s spent the last four seasons at Iowa State, starting in three of them and racking up 26 wins. His career numbers?
9,274 passing yards, 64 touchdowns, 27 interceptions, plus nearly 500 rushing yards and 19 scores on the ground.
Becht’s transition to Penn State should be smoother than most, thanks to familiar faces. He’s reuniting with Campbell, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters - the same staff that helped him thrive in Ames.
The only question mark? Health.
Becht is coming off a tough 2025 campaign that saw him battle through a partial labrum tear in his non-throwing shoulder and an AC sprain in his throwing shoulder. He was even spotted wearing a sling during his Penn State visit.
Whether he’s ready for spring ball remains to be seen, but if healthy, he’s the guy.
Marcus Neal Jr., Safety
On the defensive side, the name to know is Marcus Neal Jr. The sophomore safety had a breakout 2025 season, starting for Iowa State and tallying 40 tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions. As a freshman, he played in all 13 games and added 18 tackles to his resume.
Neal was one of the more coveted defensive backs in the portal, earning a 4-star rating and ranking as the No. 9 safety overall. With Zakee Wheatley off to the NFL, Neal is the frontrunner to step into a starting role in the secondary - and he has the tools to be a difference-maker from day one.
Caleb Bacon, Linebacker
Penn State didn’t just raid Iowa State’s roster - they targeted its leadership core. Linebacker Caleb Bacon fits that mold perfectly. A former walk-on turned captain, Bacon played in 35 games for the Cyclones, posting 131 tackles, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
He’s a tough, instinctive linebacker who earned a 4-star transfer rating and was ranked the No. 4 linebacker in the portal. With Amare Campbell transferring to Tennessee and Dom DeLuca graduating, Bacon has a clear path to start alongside Tony Rojas in the heart of the defense.
Benjamin Brahmer, Tight End
Tight end Benjamin Brahmer brings production and polish to a position that’s been a strength for Penn State in recent years. Brahmer was Iowa State’s third-leading receiver in 2025, hauling in 37 passes for 446 yards and six touchdowns. Over his time with the Cyclones, he totaled 75 catches, 977 yards, and nine scores.
A second-team All-Big 12 selection last season, Brahmer was rated as the No. 3 tight end in the portal. Expect him to be a key piece in two-tight-end sets alongside Andrew Rappleyea - a pairing that could give opposing defenses plenty of headaches.
Brock Riker, Center
The offensive line took a hit with four of five starters moving on after the 2025 season, but Penn State may have found a gem in center Brock Riker. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound lineman comes from Texas State, where he redshirted in 2024 and then broke out in 2025, earning second-team All-America honors from The Athletic.
Riker was a hot commodity in the portal, with offers from Alabama, Oklahoma, and Florida, among others. He’ll battle Dom Rulli - who started the Pinstripe Bowl - for the starting center job, but don’t count out Cooper Cousins either. Cousins played center in high school and could be in the mix despite mostly lining up at guard early in his college career.
Siale Taupaki, Defensive Tackle
With Zane Durant and Alonzo Ford Jr. heading to the NFL and Xavier Gilliam transferring to Tennessee, Penn State had to reload its defensive tackle room - and they did just that with veteran Siale Taupaki.
Taupaki arrives from UCLA and brings a wealth of experience, having played in 33 games for the Bruins and totaling 38 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks. He reunites with defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn and defensive line coach Ikaika Malloe, both of whom coached him at UCLA. At 25 years old and entering his eighth year of college football, Taupaki adds maturity and leadership to a young position group.
Brett Eskildsen, Wide Receiver
With Trebor Peña, Devonte Ross, and Kyron Hudson off to the NFL, Penn State needed help at wide receiver - and they got it in Brett Eskildsen. Last season, Eskildsen led his position group under new receivers coach Noah Pauley, catching 30 passes for 526 yards and five touchdowns.
He’s not just a depth addition - Eskildsen brings big-play ability and a knack for finding the end zone. Expect him to be a key part of the rotation as Penn State reshapes its receiving corps.
Alexander McPherson, Defensive End
Losing Chaz Coleman to the portal was a blow, but Penn State responded by bringing in sophomore edge rusher Alexander McPherson. A product of national powerhouse IMG Academy, McPherson originally committed to Colorado and played in 10 games as a freshman, contributing on both defense and special teams.
He finished the year with 16 tackles, six quarterback hurries, and a blocked punt - showing flashes of the athleticism and motor that made him a highly regarded recruit. With two years of eligibility remaining, McPherson is a developmental piece with upside who could grow into a bigger role quickly.
Jeremiah Cooper, Defensive Back
Jeremiah Cooper is one of the more intriguing additions in the secondary. An All-Big 12 selection in 2023, Cooper started his career as a safety before transitioning to cornerback in 2025. Unfortunately, a season-ending knee injury limited him to just four games last year.
Still, his track record speaks for itself: 138 tackles and eight interceptions over four seasons at Iowa State. If he’s fully recovered, Cooper brings versatility, experience, and ball-hawking instincts to a secondary that’s looking to reload.
Cristiano Rosa, Kickoff Specialist
Special teams matter - and Penn State made a savvy move by adding Cristiano Rosa to handle kickoff duties. Rosa comes from James Madison, where he notched 52 touchbacks over two seasons and played for a 2025 College Football Playoff team.
He’s already shown some Nittany Lion pride, posting a childhood photo in a Penn State jersey. Now, he’ll get the chance to live out that dream and replace Gabe Nwosu as the team’s kickoff specialist.
Final Thoughts
This transfer class isn’t just about filling holes - it’s about reshaping the identity of Penn State football under Matt Campbell. By bringing in players who already know his system and culture, Campbell is fast-tracking the transition and laying the foundation for a new era in State College.
With experienced playmakers on both sides of the ball, a quarterback who knows the playbook inside and out, and a handful of high-upside additions, Penn State’s roster is suddenly deeper, more versatile, and ready to compete.