Penn State coach Matt Campbell is hitting the transfer portal hard. But he also retained some key Nittany Lions from the 2025 team.
Penn State coach Matt Campbell has spent the past month rebuilding the Nittany Lions’ roster, which will look completely different in 2026 after 41 players breaks up a pass intended for Clemson Tigers wide receiver T.
J. Moore during the second half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Daryus Dixson emerged as a high-potential player toward the end of the season. A 4-star freshman cornerback, Dixson earned plenty of playing time in November and took advantage of it. He made 17 tackles , one sack, six pass breakups and six passes defended in the final five games. Dixson was terrific in the Pinstripe Bowl, breaking up three passes, one in the end zone.Penn State offensive lineman Cooper Cousins greets fans outside Beaver Stadium before the Blue-White game. | Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Cooper Cousins was a rotational player at guard in 2025 but started the Pinstripe Bowl and should use that as a springboard to next season. He’s an uber-talented player, having been 247Sports’ top-ranked interior lineman in the 2024 recruiting class. Cousins also provides a strong leadership voice, which will help with the offense’s transition.Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Koby Howard runs with the ball during the first quarter of the Blue-White spring game at Beaver Stadium. | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images Koby Howard is the lone returning receiver with at least 100 receiving yards. The 4-star prospect out of Florida was a strong intermediate threat for the Nittany Lions during the second half of last season and averaged 19 yards per catch. With Penn State’s wide receiver room undergoing an overhaul via the transfer portal, Howard is the vital returning piece.Penn State Nittany Lions offensive linesman Malachi Goodman during a warmup before a game vs. the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images Malachi Goodman was Penn State’s top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class and the 57th-rated player nationally, according to 247Sports. With the Nittany Lions losing starting tackles Drew Shelton and Nolan Rucci, retaining Goodman was essential. Goodman is one of the most underrated keeps for Campbell and company from the 2025 roster. He also was featured in aPenn State Nittany Lions tight end Andrew Rappleyea scores on a touchdown reception during the second half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at Yankee Stadium. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Andrew Rappleyea ended the season scoring a touchdown in three consecutive games. The redshirt sophomore became a threat in the pass game for Penn State but also proved pivotal as a run-blocking tight end. In addition to his play, Rappleyea is a vocal leader. Rappleyea will pair with former Iowa State tight end Benjamin Brahmer to form a compelling room.Penn State Nittany Lions kicker Ryan Barker kicks a field goal during the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium. | James Lang-Imagn Images. Barker owns the best field-goal percentage in school history and finished 2025 with the top field-goal percentage in the FBS . The former walk-on has been one of the most reliable players on the Nittany Lions since earning the starting role in 2024. Bringing back one of the FBS’ most reliable kickers is a major relief for Campbell.Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Yvan Kemajou pressures Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback TJ Lateef during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn ImagesThe freshman earned more snaps toward the end of last season, finishing with 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He’ll play a big role in 2026.Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Audavion Collins celebrates after recovering a fumble on a kickoff return during the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images Terry Smith’s cornerback room will be among the team’s best, and Collins is a veteran who should have one of the starting spots locked. He was Penn State’s most consistent cover corner and will lead the group.. The newsletter is your free daily window into Penn State sports.
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