Penn State didn’t just dip into the Transfer Portal this offseason-they dove in headfirst. With 36 new additions and potentially more on the way, the Nittany Lions have been one of the most aggressive programs in the country when it comes to reshaping their roster.
Head coach Matt Campbell and general manager Derek Hoodjer have quickly put their stamp on the program, assembling what currently ranks as the No. 5 transfer class in the nation. Unsurprisingly, many of the marquee names followed Campbell from Iowa State to Happy Valley, creating a familiar foundation as he begins his tenure in the Big Ten.
Quarterback Rocco Becht, tight end Benjamin Brahmer, and wideout Marcus Neal Jr. headline the list of Cyclones-turned-Nittany Lions, bringing continuity and chemistry to a new-look offense. Add in a player like James Peoples, a former Ohio State back with breakout potential, and the top-end talent is clear. But beyond the big names, this class has depth-and it’s the underrated pieces that could quietly shape the identity of Penn State football in 2026.
Let’s start in the trenches, where the offensive line is undergoing a transformation. Cooper Cousins, a 2024 four-star recruit, has long been pegged as the future at center.
But don’t overlook Jake Riker, a Texas State transfer who could push for that starting job right away. Riker may not have the prototypical size-he’s listed at 6-foot-4, 285 pounds-but he’s got the production to back him up.
In his first season as a starter, he didn’t allow a single sack and anchored a rushing attack that ranked top 20 nationally in yards per carry. That’s the kind of résumé that earns you a long look, especially on a team looking to establish a physical identity up front.
Cousins brings versatility-he can play all five spots on the line-but Riker brings experience and proven performance. Don’t be surprised if both see the field early and often as Campbell and offensive line coach work to find the right combination.
On the other side of the ball, Penn State is getting bigger-and that’s no accident. Defensive line coach Ikaika Malloe is moving away from the smaller, quicker interior linemen favored by the previous staff, and Siale Taupaki is the poster child for that shift.
After seven years at UCLA, Taupaki is using his final year of eligibility in Happy Valley. Yes, seven.
He didn’t see the field his first three seasons, and even in 2022, he only appeared in two games. But thanks to a waiver, he preserved his eligibility and now brings veteran presence-and serious size-to the Nittany Lions’ defensive front.
Taupaki stands 6-foot-4 and tips the scales at over 300 pounds. He’s not going to rack up sacks or flash as a pass-rusher, but that’s not the ask.
His job is to eat space, hold the point of attack, and let the linebackers behind him roam free. That kind of interior presence allows defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to get creative with lighter boxes and extra coverage on early downs.
In today’s game, where versatility and disguise are everything on defense, a space-eating tackle like Taupaki can be a game-changer-without ever showing up in the box score.
And while most fans look to the receiver room for highlight-reel grabs and explosive plays, one of the more intriguing additions is flying under the radar. Keith Jones Jr., a 6-foot-4 wideout from Grambling, brings size, production, and untapped potential.
As a redshirt freshman, he hauled in 31 catches for 438 yards and four touchdowns. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but when you consider the context-a smaller program, early career production, and a frame built for red-zone mismatches-there’s a lot to like.
Jones won’t be penciled in as WR1 just yet, but he’s got a real shot to crack the rotation alongside Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen, who already have chemistry with Becht from their Iowa State days. With his size and catch radius, Jones could become a key piece in Penn State’s passing attack, especially in the red zone or on third downs when matchups matter most.
All in all, while the headliners get the attention-and rightfully so-it’s these under-the-radar additions that could elevate Penn State from a team with potential to a team with staying power. Campbell and Hoodjer didn’t just go shopping for stars; they built depth, added experience, and targeted players who fit their vision. And if these overlooked names hit, the Nittany Lions could be one of the most complete teams in the Big Ten come fall.