Penn State’s offensive line is taking shape with a blend of transfers and returning pieces, and Ryan Clanton is making the standard for that group pretty clear.
The Nittany Lions’ 2026 two-deep is expected to feature Iowa State transfers Trevor Buhr and Will Tompkins, along with several familiar names from last season’s roster. Buhr is projected as a starting guard, while Tompkins is listed as a backup at the position.
Penn State’s returnees are set to carry plenty of weight, too. Anthony Donkoh, Cooper Cousins and Malachi Goodman are all expected to be central figures up front.
Donkoh, a fourth-year junior, should start at tackle while also bringing starting experience at guard. Cousins, a junior, has been working with the first team at right guard.
Goodman is projected to open at left tackle in his second year after redshirting last season.
At center, the starter is expected to be redshirt sophomore Brock Riker, who was at Texas State in 2025. Behind Goodman and Donkoh at tackle are Penn State returnees Garrett Sexton and Owen Aliciene, a redshirt sophomore and redshirt freshman, respectively.
Clanton, who was at Iowa State last season, recently laid out exactly how he wants the room to operate.
“The O-line room is pretty simple, in my opinion,” Clanton said.
“This is how we’re going to play, this is what we expect out of tackles, centers and guards, separately.
You’re going to play multiple positions. You’re not going to complain about your reps or who you’re going (against)."
He also made it clear that who a player lines up against matters as much as where he lines up.
“A lot of the times, guys who are going with the 2s (second team) might be going against the ‘1s’ (first-team) defense,” Clanton continued.
“You get a better evaluation. You would rather be a guy that’s on the ‘2’ offense that’s going against the ‘1’ defense, winning, than a guy that’s losing against the ‘2’ defense.”
Clanton brings plenty of firsthand experience to the job. He played right guard, left guard and left tackle for three Oregon teams - 2010-12 - coached by Chip Kelly.
And when it comes to what he wants from Penn State’s linemen, the message is blunt.
“If you don’t want to be violent, (come) off the ball, that’s what makes football fun, in my opinion,” Clanton said.
“But if you can be violent and you can try to run through somebody’s face, that’s requirement (No.) 1 for us.
“We got guys that will do that, so we’re in a good spot.”
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Penn State Just Gave Fans A New Reason To Be Proud
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Penn State Still Has Big Camp Questions Before Week 1
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Rocco Becht emerged as one of the brighter spots, showing noticeable growth and a steadier leadership presence throughout the month. The coaches also sounded cautiously encouraged by the receivers and offensive line, where the mix of transfers and returning players has started to come together, even if there is still plenty of calibration left before Week 1. [Read more 🡒]