Penn State's football program has a storied legacy of standout tight ends, and as we dive into 2026, there's a palpable buzz around their current lineup. While Andrew Rappleyea and Iowa State transfer Benjamin Brahmer are grabbing headlines, don’t sleep on another Cyclone-turned-Nittany Lion: Gabe Burkle.
Head coach Matt Campbell didn't mince words at a recent press conference, labeling Burkle as an "NFL tight end." Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 255 pounds, this redshirt senior brings a wealth of experience to the table with 16 career starts under his belt.
Unfortunately, Burkle's journey hit a bump last November when he tore his ACL in a game against TCU. "Without that injury, he’s easily among the top 10 tight ends in college football," Campbell noted.
Despite the setback, Burkle's 2025 season was impressive. He racked up 302 receiving yards in just nine games, showcasing his prowess as a strong blocker who’s increasingly effective in the passing game. Reflecting on last season, Burkle said, "I was used more in the passing game, and I feel like I stepped up, but there's always room to grow."
This year, Burkle won't be on the field for spring practices, but he’s targeting a full return by preseason camp. "Not being out there is tough," he admitted. "Building confidence and trust with new teammates and coaches is crucial, and it's hard to do that from the sidelines."
With Burkle sidelined, Brahmer and Rappleyea will take the reins in spring practices, while others like Cooper Alexander, Brian Kortovich, and Finn Furmanek are expected to get more reps.
Even off the field, Burkle is embracing leadership opportunities. "It's about helping guys in the treatment room, around the facility, and building relationships," he explained. His familiarity with the offense, thanks to tight ends coach Taylor Mouser, allows him to mentor teammates who are still learning the ropes.
Reflecting on his transfer, Burkle was clear: "It was all Penn State for me. I wanted to play for Coach Campbell and Coach Mouser again."
Mouser has been instrumental in Burkle’s development. "He's done wonders with tight ends, and learning from him is invaluable," Burkle said. "Plus, he's a great guy off the field."
Burkle's career stats include 54 receptions for 607 yards and two touchdowns, with a memorable performance in the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl. Campbell once praised the duo of Burkle and Brahmer, saying, "We have two of the best tight ends in college football."
Coming out of Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Burkle was a three-star recruit, ranked as the No. 49 tight end in the Class of 2022 by 247Sports. He had offers from several programs, including Indiana, Kansas State, and Michigan State, but his journey led him to Penn State, where he's poised to make a lasting impact.