After a truly strange 2020 Penn State football season, it’s finally time to turn the page to the 2021 season.

The Nittany Lions hired Mike Yurcich as their new offensive coordinator with hopes he improves the offense after a sloppy 2020 season. In Yurcich’s introductory press conference, he emphasized he wants his offense to be physical, smart, and skilled, as well as being able to limit turnovers and have explosive plays.

Sounds pretty good, huh?

With that said, here’s our way-too-early projection of what Penn State football’s offense may look like in 2021.

Penn State Athletics confirmed that each player will stay at their current eligibility level next season due to the extra year granted by the NCAA.

Quarterback

Starter: Sean Clifford
Backups: Ta’Quan Roberson, Christian Veilleux

Sean Clifford is the obvious favorite to be Penn State’s starting quarterback heading into 2021. Clifford’s 2020 season was filled with ups and downs, as he totaled 19 touchdowns (16 passing, three rushing) and a concerning 12 turnovers (nine interceptions, three fumbles) in nine games. However, his impressive 2019 campaign and his experience give him the edge.

Ta’Quan Roberson is presumably Clifford’s biggest competition to gain the keys to Yurcich’s offense in 2021. The redshirt freshman has seen very limited playing time in his first two seasons as a Nittany Lion, appearing in just two games and attempting one pass. Roberson’s path to playing time became a whole lot clearer following Will Levis’ entrance into the transfer portal last week.

True freshman Christian Veilleux is the wildcard in Penn State’s quarterback competition. The Canadian is an early enrollee at Penn State this spring, something that Yurcich thinks is “crucial.”

“For him to come in early, it gives him a really good chance for him to get a leg up, and to learn the offense, and to be well-versed to give him a chance to compete in the fall for the position of being a backup, or being able to make sure that he’s maybe one snap away and can be a really good contributor for us, or maybe being the guy,” Yurcich said.

Don’t get it twisted, folks. While Clifford is the favorite, this will be a competition all summer long.

Running Back

Starter: Noah Cain
Backups: Keyvone Lee, Devyn Ford, John Lovett, Caziah Holmes

Another season, another potentially crowded running back room for the Nittany Lions. Barring any transfers, the position is loaded with players who are capable of making a serious impact.

After going down with an injury early on last year, Noah Cain will likely be Penn State’s top running back this season. As a true freshman two seasons ago, Cain impressed with 351 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Keyvone Lee burst onto the scene this past season during his first year in Happy Valley. The freshman led the Nittany Lions with 438 yards rushing after a plethora of injuries to the group. Following his impressive season, Lee is certainly a candidate to lead the backfield in 2021.

John Lovett committed to Penn State earlier this offseason as a graduate transfer after totaling 1,803 yards rushing with Baylor the previous four seasons. Devyn Ford and Caziah Holmes also figure to be important pieces in the Nittany Lions’ backfield.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Jahan Dotson, Parker Washington, KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Backups: Daniel George, Cam Sullivan-Brown, Jaden Dottin, Lonnie White Jr., Harrison Wallace, Liam Clifford

Jahan Dotson headlines Penn State’s receiving core heading into 2021 after his decision to return for another season. The redshirt junior emerged as a bona fide star this past year, posting 52 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine games.

Parker Washington will attempt to build off a strong true freshman year where he totaled 36 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, also coming off his first season, showed some flashes in 2020 and will try to solidify himself behind Dotson and Washington.

Daniel George and Cam Sullivan-Brown have the chance to bounce back after quiet 2020 seasons, while Jaden Dottin attempts to carve out a role after looking on from the sidelines for much of the year. Lonnie White Jr., Harrison Wallace, and Liam Clifford are all members of Penn State’s 2021 recruiting class coming to Happy Valley this fall.

Tight Ends

Starter: Brenton Strange
Backups: Theo Johnson, Zack Kuntz, Tyler Warren, Khalil Dinkins

Following Pat Freiermuth’s injury in the middle of last season, Brenton Strange stepped up and showed some nice potential. He posted 17 receptions and two touchdowns and will presumably get the first crack at the starting tight end spot in 2021.

Theo Johnson came to Penn State last season as a four-star recruit from Canada. He broke out of his shell throughout the season and impressed, even earning his first career start against Michigan. He’s a prime candidate for a breakout 2021 season.

Zack Kuntz, Tyler Warren, and incoming freshman Khalil Dinkins will provide depth at the position.

Offensive Line

Starters: Rasheed Walker, Des Holmes, Mike Miranda, Eric Wilson, Caedan Wallace
Backups: Juice Scruggs, Bryce Effner, Anthony Whigan, Landon Tengwall, Nate Bruce

Penn State’s offensive line lost three key pieces this offseason with Michal Menet and Will Fries deciding to not come back for another season, and CJ Thorpe entering the transfer portal. However, the unit returns three of its starters, including both tackles — Rasheed Walker and Caedan Wallace.

Mike Miranda started at left guard last season, but he could start at center in 2021 following Menet’s departure. Miranda was listed as the backup center on last season’s depth chart.

The guard position may be the most uncertain on all of Penn State’s offense. Des Holmes appears to be the safest bet at the position after he was the main backup at both guard spots on last season’s depth chart. After Holmes, Juice Scruggs and incoming graduate transfer Eric Wilson will presumably battle it out for the other spot. Wilson played in 22 games for Harvard in his three seasons on the field for the Crimson.

Bryce Effner, Anthony Whigan, and incoming freshmen Landon Tengwall and Nate Bruce are other offensive line options.