Penn State Caps Season with Statement Win Over Clemson in Pinstripe Bowl
Penn State didn’t just survive the Pinstripe Bowl - they owned the second half.
Despite a roster thinned by opt-outs and transfer portal departures, the Nittany Lions dug deep and delivered a gritty, convincing 22-10 win over Clemson at Yankee Stadium. It was a performance that spoke volumes about the program’s depth, resilience, and the next wave of talent already making noise.
The win marked Penn State’s fourth straight to close out the season, pushing the final record to 7-6. And while the team effort stood out across the board, a few position groups - and one kicker in particular - deserve a closer look.
Special Teams: Ryan Barker Nails It
Before diving into the offense and defense, let’s give credit where it’s due. Ryan Barker was automatic.
The sophomore kicker drilled all three of his field goal attempts - from 22, 48, and 43 yards - to finish the season with a remarkable 18-for-19 mark. In a game where points were at a premium early, Barker’s consistency gave Penn State the breathing room it needed.
Quarterback: Ethan Grunkemeyer - A Star in the Making
Grade: A
Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer didn’t just manage the game - he won it. Going head-to-head with Clemson senior Cade Klubnik, Grunkemeyer looked like the more composed and explosive quarterback. He threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns, with the bulk of that production coming after halftime.
In the second half alone, Grunkemeyer completed 11 of 14 passes for 192 yards and both scores, including a 73-yard strike to wideout Trebor Pena that broke the game open. His poise, accuracy, and command of the offense were well beyond his years. If this performance is any indication, Penn State may have found its next leader under center.
Running Backs: Quinton Martin Jr. Steps Up
Grade: B+
With Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton unavailable, the backfield was a question mark heading into the game. It didn’t take long for redshirt freshman Quinton Martin Jr. to answer it.
After Corey Smith started the game, Martin took over and never looked back. He ran for a career-high 101 yards on 20 carries - a breakout performance for a player who didn’t log a single carry during the regular season.
The Pennsylvania native ran with purpose, showcasing both power and burst. He hit the hole with confidence and got downhill in a hurry, giving Penn State a steady ground presence that helped control the second half.
Defensive Line: Dominant in the Trenches
Grade: A
Dani Dennis-Sutton could’ve opted out. Instead, the senior defensive end suited up one more time and made it count. He was a wrecking ball up front, registering two sacks and causing constant disruption against a Clemson offensive line that simply couldn’t contain him.
Dennis-Sutton’s performance was a reminder of both his raw talent and his commitment to the program. He left it all on the field in his final game in blue and white.
But it wasn’t a one-man show. Jaylen Harvey added a sack of his own, and true freshman Yvan Kemajou flashed his potential with a quarterback hurry. The defensive front controlled the line of scrimmage and set the tone for the entire unit.
Secondary: Youth Movement Shines Bright
Penn State’s secondary had its hands full with Clemson’s passing attack, but the young DBs answered the call.
Veteran corner Audavion Collins continued his steady play with two tackles and a pass breakup, while slot corner Zion Tracy chipped in five tackles - three of them solo stops.
But the real story was the emergence of true freshmen Daryus Dixson and Jahmir Joseph. The duo combined for seven tackles (six solo) and four pass breakups, blanketing Clemson receivers and showing no signs of inexperience. Their performance wasn’t just encouraging - it was a clear glimpse into the future of Penn State’s secondary.
Final Word
This wasn’t just a bowl win - it was a statement. Penn State could’ve folded after a rollercoaster season and a wave of personnel losses. Instead, the Nittany Lions leaned on their young core, showed off their depth, and closed the year with a performance that should have fans excited about what’s coming next.
From Grunkemeyer’s breakout to Martin’s emergence and Dennis-Sutton’s farewell masterpiece, this was a team win in every sense. And if this is the foundation for 2026, Penn State might be building something special.