Penn State’s Offensive Line Gets a Major Boost with Anthony Donkoh’s Return
New Penn State head coach Matt Campbell and offensive line coach Ryan Clanton are getting exactly what every new staff hopes for in Year 1: key veterans buying in. And in the trenches, that buy-in just got even stronger.
Guard Anthony Donkoh is officially coming back for the 2026 season, joining Cooper Cousins and Owen Aliciene as key returners up front. For a Nittany Lions team entering a new era, Donkoh’s decision is more than just welcome news - it’s a foundational piece for what Campbell and Clanton are trying to build.
Donkoh made the announcement on Instagram with a simple message: “Let’s run this back.” Alongside that, he thanked former head coach James Franklin and former offensive line coach Phil Trautwein - a nod to the development path that’s brought him to this point.
And make no mistake: Donkoh has developed into a difference-maker.
Back in 2024, as a redshirt freshman, Donkoh stepped into the starting lineup and didn’t just hold his own - he thrived. He made 10 starts at right tackle, didn’t allow a single sack on quarterback Drew Allar, and gave up just eight total pressures over those 10 games. That kind of performance earned him national attention, including a semifinalist nod for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Fast forward to 2025, and Donkoh took another step forward. He graded out as Penn State’s third-highest-rated offensive lineman, behind only Vega Ioane and Nick Dawkins - two established veterans in their own right.
According to Pro Football Focus, Donkoh posted a career-high 78.2 pass-blocking grade and surrendered just one sack across 343 pass-blocking snaps. That’s elite-level protection, especially in a Big Ten that doesn’t exactly take it easy on offensive linemen.
What makes Donkoh’s return so impactful isn’t just his production - it’s his versatility. He’s shown he can hold down the edge at tackle, but he’s also more than capable of sliding inside to guard, giving Clanton flexibility as he pieces together the best five up front. In today’s game, where depth and adaptability are everything, having a player like Donkoh back in the fold is a massive win.
For a Penn State offense that will be adjusting to a new system and new voices in the locker room, continuity on the offensive line can’t be overstated. Donkoh brings experience, consistency, and a proven track record of protecting the quarterback - all things that will be crucial as the Nittany Lions look to stay competitive in a loaded Big Ten landscape.
With Donkoh, Cousins, and Aliciene all returning, the foundation is in place. Now it’s up to Campbell and Clanton to build on it. But one thing’s already clear: the 2026 Penn State offensive line is shaping up to be a strength - and Donkoh is right at the heart of it.