Everything changed in State College. Seriously. If you’re looking at a Penn State depth chart football list from three months ago, just throw it away. It’s useless. James Franklin is out, Matt Campbell is in, and the roster has basically undergone a total renovation via the transfer portal.
It's a whirlwind. Between a 22-10 Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson and about 30 players hitting the portal, the 2026 version of the Nittany Lions looks nothing like the squad that started last fall. Honestly, it's a bit of a mess to track, but the picture is finally clearing up as we hit mid-January.
The Matt Campbell Effect on the Roster
Most people assumed the hiring of Matt Campbell would lead to a slow transition. Nope. He brought the "Iowa State way" to Happy Valley immediately, and that meant a massive influx of Cyclones. We’re talking about 21 players transferring in from Iowa State alone. That's not just a few depth pieces; it's a structural takeover.
But the biggest news isn't just who came in. It's who stayed. Tony Rojas returning for his redshirt junior season is arguably the most important "win" of the offseason. Before his injury against Oregon, Rojas was the heartbeat of the defense. Keeping him away from Miami's NIL clutches was huge for Campbell’s credibility.
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Then you’ve got the youth movement. Daryus Dixson and Yvan Kemajou didn't just play as freshmen; they excelled. Dixson looked like the best player in the secondary during the Pinstripe Bowl, and Kemajou’s 5 tackles for loss show he's ready for a full-time starting role on the edge.
The Offensive Identity Crisis
Who's taking the snaps? That's the million-dollar question. With the quarterback room essentially reset, the 2026 depth chart is wide open. Redshirt junior Jack Lambert is currently the only scholarship QB on the official winter roster, which is kind of terrifying for a program of this stature.
However, help is coming. Campbell has been aggressive in the portal, and we’re expecting a veteran addition to compete with incoming freshman Kase Evans and the redshirted Ethan Grunkemeyer.
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- Quinton Martin Jr. is the clear RB1. His 103-yard performance against Clemson proved he’s more than just a recruit with a famous name.
- The offensive line is being rebuilt around Anthony Donkoh. He's the only returning starter up front, which means the "Zebra" unit will be young and likely rely on guys like Cooper Cousins and Chimdy Onoh to step up immediately.
- Wide receiver is a bit of a mystery. Koby Howard is the "X" factor here—literally and figuratively. He averaged 19 yards per catch on limited reps last year.
Defensive Rebuild Under D'Anton Lynn
While Matt Campbell runs the show, D'Anton Lynn is the one tasked with fixing a defense that lost stars like Zane Durant and Zakee Wheatley to the NFL. The good news? The secondary actually looks solid. Audavion Collins is back at corner, and Zion Tracy opted to stay for his senior year instead of testing the portal waters.
That experience matters. You can't just throw true freshmen into the Big Ten and expect them to hold up against Ohio State or Oregon.
The defensive line is where things get dicey. Losing Chaz Coleman to Tennessee was a gut punch. He was a 5-star portal prospect for a reason. To fill that gap, Campbell has leaned on Iowa State transfers like Caleb Bacon and Kooper Ebel. They know the system, they've played high-level ball, and they bring a certain "blue-collar" vibe that Campbell loves.
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Key Position Battles to Watch
- Middle Linebacker: It’s a three-way fight between Tony Rojas, Alex Tatsch, and Iowa State transfer Cael Brezina. Rojas likely starts, but Tatsch is too good to keep off the field.
- Tight End: Andrew Rappleyea has basically locked this down. He caught touchdowns in three straight games to end 2025. Luke Reynolds and Khalil Dinkins are gone, so Rappleyea is the guy.
- Kicker: Ryan Barker is back. Thank goodness. He broke the program's single-season field goal percentage record last year, so at least special teams is stable.
What Users Actually Want to Know
People keep asking: "Is Penn State still LBU?"
Sorta. The names have changed, but the talent is there. LaVar Arrington II (yes, that name) is a sophomore now and will likely see the field more. The coaching staff is different, but the philosophy of aggressive, downhill linebacker play hasn't shifted.
What about the "Iowa State North" nickname? It’s hard to argue with. When you bring in double-digit transfers from your previous school, you're going to get some chirping from the fans. But if it leads to wins in the expanded Big Ten, nobody in State College will care.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're trying to stay ahead of the curve on the Penn State depth chart football updates, you need to watch the spring portal window. January is just the first wave.
- Follow the Winter Roster: Keep an eye on the official GoPSUsports roster updates. Players like Max Granville are returning from injury and will be pivotal in spring ball.
- Watch the QB Portal: If Campbell doesn't land a high-level transfer QB by February, the Ethan Grunkemeyer era might start sooner than expected.
- Check the OL Development: Watch the weight room updates for Garrett Sexton and Owen Aliciene. They need to put on Big Ten size before the Blue-White game in April.
The 2026 season isn't just a new year; it's a new era. The depth chart is a living document right now, shifting with every "commitment" tweet and portal entry. It’s chaotic, it’s stressful for the coaches, and honestly, it’s exactly what Penn State needed to break the plateau.