Penn State’s second open practice of fall camp offered another look at a roster that is still very much taking shape, and the clearest takeaway is this: there’s a lot of size, a lot of athleticism, and a few players already separating themselves.
On the defensive line, Ike Ezeogu and Yvan Kemajou look like the expected starting ends, and both bring the kind of physical traits that jump out immediately. Ezeogu is still a bit of a projection as he adjusts from Iowa State’s 3-3-5 to a new scheme, but the tools are obvious.
Kemajou, meanwhile, looks ready for a bigger leap. He didn’t draw as much buzz last season as some of Penn State’s other young defenders, but he’s already sturdy against the run and has a real shot to lead the team in sacks.
Max Granville also made a strong impression in 1-on-1 work. His added bulk should help him against the run and keep him on the field in all three downs, which fits the way he plays. He’s always been willing in run support; now the strength seems to match the attitude.
Inside, the defensive tackle group looks dramatically bigger than it did a year ago. Keanu Williams, Armstrong Nnodim, Siale Taupaki and Dallas Vakalahi all stand out for their size, and the depth in that room should give the defense more physicality up front.
At linebacker, Kooper Ebel and Tony Rojas look like the names to watch. Ebel appears likely to wear the green dot, putting the communication load on his helmet and giving him the job of relaying the sideline’s calls.
Rojas, though, may be the most encouraging sight of the group. He looks like himself again after the torn ACL, and in some ways even better - stronger and faster than before.
Caleb Bacon, notably, has been working with the edge rushers rather than the linebackers through the first two days, which suggests his versatility may be used more on the outside this season.
The secondary has its own set of intriguing pieces. Marcus Neal moves far better than a safety of his build probably should, and he looks like the kind of defender who will live in the box but can still do more than just charge downhill.
Jamison Patton also has the size to matter back there and should keep getting reps even after Jeremiah Cooper returns from his torn ACL. Cooper and Zion Tracy look like the movable pieces in D’Anton Lynn’s secondary, with both able to handle nickel or safety and Tracy also capable of lining up outside.
Tracy was returning punts as well, and that role could stick.
On the corners, Audavion Collins and Daryus Dixson continue to get work on the outside, while Jahmir Joseph appears to be the clear third option there with a noticeable gap before the next group.
The day’s most memorable play came on offense, where Brett Eskildsen made the catch of practice. With Collins in close coverage, Eskildsen reached out and hauled in a one-handed grab on a deep ball from Rocco Becht, setting off a strong reaction from everyone watching.
Becht looked sharp again. He showed no hesitation to challenge defenders when the throw was there, and that confidence carried over from the first open session.
Alex Manske was impressive for a second straight day as well, highlighted by a beautiful deep touchdown pass to Zay Robinson during 7-on-7. The more time that passes, and the more people around the program are talked to, the more the sense grows that Manske could be the starter in 2027.
Chase Sowell had one drop on a crosser, something worth keeping an eye on given his history with drops. Even so, his overall profile remains appealing. He’s a strong athlete and a legitimate threat at every level of the field as an outside receiver.
Up front, the offensive line appears likely to settle, from left to right, with Malachi Goodman, Trevor Buhr, Brock Riker, Cooper Cousins and Anthony Donkoh. The only real question seems to be whether the tackles get flipped, though that looks unlikely. Donkoh did get some work on the left on the first day while Goodman spent a stretch with the second group, but Goodman and Donkoh still project as the starters at tackle to open the year.
Goodman, in particular, turned in some strong 1-on-1 reps and continues to justify the staff’s confidence in him. He has the highest upside on the roster, and the belief around him is so strong that if someone had to guess who eventually becomes a top-five NFL Draft pick, Goodman would be the pick.
And then there’s Ben Brahmer, who looks like a problem for defenses. He has a chance to be the top target in the passing game this season, and there’s a real possibility he enters Mackey Award discussion. With his size, fluid movement and hands, he projects as Becht’s favorite red-zone target.
Gabe Burkle didn’t practice Thursday, but the expectation is that he’ll be back sooner rather than later. When he returns, he should play a major role, especially in 12 personnel and other two-tight end packages. The staff is high on him, and that kind of usage seems likely once he’s available.
In Other News...
Penn State Opens Camp With One Big Offensive Stability Test
Penn State opened preseason camp under new head coach Matt Campbell with a roster that already looks very different from the one he inherited. Campbell arrived in December after 10 seasons at Iowa State, and the first days of practice have been as much about sorting out depth as installing the next phase of the program. With 40 transfers in the mix, there is no shortage of bodies to sort through, and the staff is taking a close look at key spots all over the field.
The most immediate question is whether the offense can find some stability behind the scenes, especially with a backup running back battle unfolding and young tackles and wide receivers being asked to grow up quickly. Quarterback Rocco Becht is participating in practice, and redshirt freshman Alex Manske is also back on the field, giving the staff more options as it tries to build a workable two-deep. For a team still taking shape under a new coach, those early camp reps may end up mattering just as much as the headline names. [Read more 🡒]
Penn States Coaching Wait Suddenly Feels Worth It
Penn States long coaching search finally ended with a name that immediately shifted the mood around the program. After moving on from James Franklin following the 2025 season, the Nittany Lions landed Matt Campbell, and the reaction from around college football has been notably upbeat. Kirk Herbstreit was among those applauding the move, calling it an incredible decision and pointing to Campbell as the kind of coach who can give the program a fresh direction.
The fit is part of what makes the hire resonate in State College. Campbell arrives with a reputation for building tough, organized teams, and Penn State also has the kind of experienced roster that can help a new staff get traction quickly. The bigger question now is how fast all of that turns into results, but for a fan base that has waited through the uncertainty of a coaching change, the early signs around this one have been encouraging. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State Has A Comeback Story That Could Lift Its Tight Ends
Andrew Rappleyeas path has already given Penn State an encouraging subplot at tight end, and it comes at a position the Nittany Lions could use as a steadying force. After emerging as a real factor in the passing game late in 2023, when he found the end zone multiple times, Rappleyeas momentum was interrupted by a season-ending injury in the 2024 opener. Still, his return to the rotation in 2025 showed why the staff had reason to be patient with a redshirt junior whose role had been trending up.
Rappleyea is now part of a deeper, more interesting picture heading into 2026, with Luke Reynolds and Khalil Dinkins already in the mix and Iowa State transfers Ben Brahmer and Gabe Burkle joining the competition. The result is a position battle that could push Penn State toward a stronger all-around tight end room, and Rappleyeas comeback gives that storyline a built-in edge. If he can keep building on what he showed before the injury, the Lions may have one more productive option in an offense that has room for it. [Read more 🡒]