As Penn State gears up for the Pinstripe Bowl clash with Clemson, the spotlight won’t just be on the veterans finishing their college careers-it’s also a prime opportunity to see the next wave of Nittany Lions talent step into bigger roles. With several key players opting out or entering the transfer portal, Saturday’s game is shaping up to be a sneak peek at the future in Happy Valley.
Let’s break down a few young players to keep an eye on as Penn State reshuffles its lineup and looks to close the season with momentum heading into 2026.
Koby Howard, WR - A Glimpse of What’s Next on the Outside
Freshman wideout Koby Howard has been on the radar for a while now, and the Pinstripe Bowl could be his coming-out party. While his stat line-five catches for 99 yards-might not jump off the page, the flashes have been there. Howard’s shown the ability to stretch the field and create separation, and with a thinned-out receiver room, he’s in line for more snaps.
Even with wide receivers coach Marques Hagans coaching his final game before handing the reins to Noah Pauley, Howard has a chance to make a statement. A strong showing could set the tone for his role in 2026 and beyond.
Yvan Kemajou, DE - Next Man Up on the Edge
With freshman Chaz Coleman entering the transfer portal and veteran defensive ends Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zuriah Fisher playing their final game in blue and white, the door swings wide open for Yvan Kemajou.
Kemajou’s already logged meaningful reps this season-10 games, 12 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks-and he’s been mentioned as a key piece in Penn State’s future plans. Saturday gives him a shot to not only build on that production but potentially stake his claim as a starter heading into next year. He’s got the motor, the physical tools, and now, the stage.
Jahmir Joseph, CB - A Secondary Shakeup
With Elliot Washington II and A.J. Harris eyeing the transfer portal, the Nittany Lions’ secondary is in flux.
One player who could benefit? Freshman cornerback Jahmir Joseph.
Joseph already had a highlight moment this year with a pick-six against Villanova, and he’s appeared in four games-just enough to stay within redshirt limits. The Pinstripe Bowl won’t count against that, making it a perfect opportunity to give him extended run without burning a year of eligibility.
With Daryus Dixson already establishing himself in the defensive backfield, Joseph could be the next young corner to break through.
The Backup Running Back Battle - Who’s Next in Line?
With Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton both set to leave the program-and Singleton already opting out of the bowl-Penn State’s backfield is entering a new era. And while Allen hasn’t officially opted out, the reps behind him in the bowl game could be telling.
Three names are in the mix: redshirt sophomore Cam Wallace, redshirt freshman Corey Smith, and redshirt freshman Quinton Martin Jr. All three were in the hunt for the No. 3 spot during fall camp, but with Allen and Singleton dominating touches, their opportunities have been limited. Wallace has six carries for 23 yards, Smith has five for 13, and Martin hasn’t logged a carry yet.
The Pinstripe Bowl could be a mini audition. Whether it’s a breakout performance or just a few solid runs, this is a key evaluation window for the future of the running back room-especially with the transfer portal looming large after January 2.
Xavier Gilliam, DT - Ready for a Bigger Role
With Zane Durant opting out, redshirt freshman Xavier Gilliam is set to start alongside Alonzo Ford Jr. on the interior. Gilliam’s been a steady presence all season, appearing in all 12 games and earning one start. He’s racked up 15 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a shared sack.
This game could be more than just another appearance-it’s a possible preview of next year’s starting defensive line. With Durant and Ford both moving on, Gilliam has a real shot to become a foundational piece up front.
Defensive Depth - Young Lions on the Rise
It’s not just the starters who’ll get a chance to shine. Across the defense, depth players are being pushed into bigger roles due to opt-outs and transfers.
At defensive tackle, redshirt freshmen Liam Andrews and De’Andre Cook could see more snaps. Andrews has played in four games, Cook in three, and both could be part of the next wave of interior defenders.
Linebacker depth has taken a hit with freshman Alex Tatsch reportedly suffering an injury during bowl prep. That could open the door for players like Cam Smith, Anthony Speca, DaKaari Nelson, and even Kari Jackson-who’s only appeared in one game-to get valuable reps.
And in the secondary, Zakee Wheatley’s opt-out creates more room for redshirt freshman Vaboue Toure. He’s already played in 10 games as a rotational safety, but the bowl game could give him a longer runway to show what he can do with extended snaps.
Final Thoughts
The Pinstripe Bowl isn’t just the end of a season-it’s the start of the next chapter for Penn State football. With a wave of young talent ready to step into the spotlight, Saturday’s matchup against Clemson offers a real-time look at how the Nittany Lions are reloading for 2026.
Whether it’s Howard stretching the field, Kemajou getting after the quarterback, or one of the young backs making a splash, this game is packed with storylines that go beyond the final score. For Penn State fans, it’s a chance to see the future-live and in action.