With the transfer portal now officially closed, Penn State football can finally take a breath-and start building with clarity. For new head coach Matt Campbell, that stability couldn’t come at a better time. While the Nittany Lions saw their share of departures and additions, the real foundation of Campbell’s first roster in State College might just be the players who chose not to leave.
These five returners didn’t just avoid the portal-they bring back production, upside, and leadership at positions where Penn State needs it most. Let’s dive into the top five players who recommitted to the program and why their return matters heading into 2026.
5. Quinton Martin - Running Back
You only needed to watch the Pinstripe Bowl to understand why Martin’s return is a big deal. The former five-star back had just one real opportunity to showcase his skills in 2025-and he made it count.
Rushing for 103 yards against Clemson, Martin averaged 6.4 yards per carry and forced multiple missed tackles. But it wasn’t just the raw numbers.
His presence changed the geometry of the game. With Martin on the field, Penn State’s play-action game came alive, averaging over nine yards per attempt.
With Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton out of eligibility, Cam Wallace briefly exploring the portal, and Corey Smith moving on, the running back room was in flux. Martin’s decision to stay gives the Nittany Lions a high-upside, potentially game-breaking talent in a position group that needed a spark.
4. Anthony Donkoh & Cooper Cousins - Offensive Line
Let’s talk trenches-because Penn State’s offensive line got two major boosts with Donkoh and Cousins sticking around.
Donkoh was a workhorse in 2025, logging 693 snaps-the most of any returning lineman-and allowing pressure on fewer than 4.5% of his pass-blocking reps. That kind of efficiency, especially over a large workload, is gold for a developing offense.
He was a Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year semifinalist in 2024, and he’s only getting better. For new offensive line coach Ryan Clanton, Donkoh’s return is a foundational win.
Cousins, meanwhile, made his biggest impression in the Pinstripe Bowl. In 78 snaps, he allowed just one quarterback hurry-no sacks, no hits.
His performance graded out as the most efficient among Penn State linemen in that game. For a team looking to re-establish its identity up front, Cousins and Donkoh are building blocks.
3. Yvan Kemajou & Max Granville - Edge Rushers
Losing Chaz Coleman created a void on the edge, but keeping Kemajou and Granville helps fill it with both experience and potential.
Kemajou was a steady force in 2025. He posted a tackling grade above 70 in seven of eight starts and consistently set the edge against the run. His snap count-over 30 per game-was nearly double Coleman’s, and his ability to limit explosive plays made him a quiet but critical piece of the defense.
Granville is more of a projection, but an exciting one. He missed significant time with a long-term injury, but before that, his athletic testing and practice metrics had the staff buzzing.
He’s viewed as one of the highest-upside edge defenders on the roster. If he can stay healthy, he could become a difference-maker in 2026.
2. Andrew Rappleyea - Tight End
By the end of the season, Rappleyea wasn’t just part of the tight end rotation-he was leading it. He topped the group in yards per route run, but what really stood out was his growth as a blocker. His run-blocking grade jumped nearly 15 points from early in the season, showing the kind of development coaches love to see.
With Benjamin Brahmer, a John Mackey Award semifinalist, also returning, Penn State’s tight end room is suddenly one of the most complete units on the roster. Rappleyea’s ability to contribute in both phases makes him a key chess piece in the offense.
1. Tony Rojas - Linebacker
Sometimes, a player’s value becomes clearest when he’s not on the field. That was the case with Rojas. Before a season-ending injury, he was one of Penn State’s most reliable defenders-ranking near the top in run stops, coverage snaps, and missed tackle avoidance.
After he went down, the defense felt it. Opponents averaged over 1.2 more yards per carry, and the second level lost its edge.
Rojas returning gives Matt Campbell a proven, analytics-backed anchor at linebacker. He’s not just a starter-he’s a tone-setter.
Final Thoughts
In a portal era where roster turnover is the norm, retaining key players can be just as important as adding new ones. For Penn State, these five returners-plus a few honorable mentions-represent more than continuity. They’re the core of what Matt Campbell is trying to build: a tough, smart, and balanced football team with upside across the board.
The pieces are in place. Now it’s about putting them together.