A New Era in State College
Penn State enters the 2026 season with a dramatically reshaped roster. Under first-year coach Matt Campbell, the Nittany Lions added 60 new players, a turnover that has created opportunities for lesser-known names to step into prominent roles. With the season opener against Marshall set for Saturday at Beaver Stadium, attention is turning to the players who could define the team's success this year.
Offensive Coordinator's Pleasant Surprises
Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser was asked Tuesday morning about offensive players who have been "pleasant surprises" during preseason camp. He named four: second-year wideout Koby Howard, third-year lineman Garrett Sexton, second-year lineman Owen Aliciene, and second-year quarterback Alex Manske.
Howard, who had seven catches for 133 yards in 2025, including three receptions of 20 or more yards, is expected to see plenty of snaps early. Aliciene and Sexton are both pushing to be Penn State's top reserves at tackle.
But it was Manske who drew the strongest praise. Manske underwent successful open-heart surgery earlier in the year and has looked sharp in August practices, according to Mouser. He is expected to serve as the backup to starter Rocco Becht.
"Alex Manske is one of the most talented guys on the offense," Mouser said. "We're not going to be able to keep him off the field."
The quarterback's road back has been remarkable. According to Sports Illustrated, Manske had open-heart surgery in March, missed spring drills, and was cleared for football activities in late July. Since returning, he has taken command of the second-team offense and separated himself from Connor Barry in the backup competition.
Defensive Line Rebuild
Penn State's defense underwent the most significant overhaul, with all four of last season's starting defensive linemen gone. To address the losses, the team prioritized size, adding four players who weigh at least 310 pounds, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
Among them, defensive tackle Keanu Williams (6-5, 317) stands out. Right guard Cooper Cousins, unprompted, predicted Williams would be "an elite defensive tackle in this conference this year." Williams previously played for defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn at UCLA in 2023, giving him familiarity with the system. He is likely to start alongside fellow UCLA transfer Siale Taupaki.
Emerging Linebacker and Tight End
At linebacker, Kooper Ebel arrives from Iowa State, where he recorded 77 tackles last season. He is slated to wear the green dot this season, indicating he will serve as the defensive play-caller, a role that underscores his importance to the new-look unit.
At tight end, Gabe Burkle is listed as the third tight end on the depth chart but has already earned high praise from Campbell, who called him the "best blocking tight end in the country." Burkle is working back from an ACL tear sustained last November and was named to the preseason watch list for the Mackey Award, which honors the nation's top tight end.
Additional Contributors and Outlook
Other players could also make their mark. Tony Rojas, a linebacker, returned from an ACL injury last year. Running back Quinton Martin Jr. rushed for 103 yards in the Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson, showcasing his potential as a breakout performer.
As Penn State prepares for its opener, the blend of new arrivals and returning talent gives Campbell and his staff a roster with plenty of unknowns but also considerable upside. The contributions of under-the-radar players like Williams, Manske, Ebel, and Burkle may well determine whether the Nittany Lions can meet their ceiling in 2026.