Penn State football is just two days away, folks.

Many starters from last season have either graduated or gone to the NFL, leaving holes in the roster. However, the Nittany Lions have young players, transfers, and some returning from injury ready to step up this season.

With that being said, our staffers decided to pick who they think Penn State fans should keep an eye out for this season.

Dillion Williams: A.J. Harris

Cornerback A.J. Harris is transferring from a great national program at Georgia where playing time was an issue for him. His transfer is a testament to how much talent Georgia brings in rather than an indictment of Harris’s abilities.

The sophomore was a five-star recruit who played Alabama 7A football while also running track and field. With him having a good frame, standing at 6’1″, the Alabama native will flourish in a Penn State defensive system that has produced multiple NFL defensive backs in recent years. 

Cooper Cazares: Trey Wallace

I believe wide receiver Trey Wallace will emerge as the clear-cut wide receiver one of the Nittany Lions this year. Before a string of injuries last season, Wallace looked promising after having a team-high seven receptions in the opener versus West Virginia.

His quickness and route-running ability can’t be ignored by opposing defenses. In a new offensive scheme, Wallace will look to use his sure hands to lead the Nittany Lions in most to all receiving categories this season if he can stay healthy. 

Michael Siroty: Quinton Martin Jr.

Running back Quinton Martin Jr. is a former four-star recruit and freshman running back who brings receiving versatility out of the backfield to Penn State.

A Pennsylvania native, Martin was a big get in the 2024 recruiting cycle and he’s someone I can see making an immediate impact for the Nittany Lions. While James Franklin might have other plans for the big, speedy back, don’t count out Martin to become a breakout player in the upcoming season. 

CJ Gill: Tony Rojas

Linebacker Tony Rojas will slide into the starting outside linebacker spot for the Nittany Lions during his sophomore season.

With the losses of Curtis Jacobs to the NFL and Kaveion Keys by dismissal, Penn State might have its weakest depth at linebacker among all of its position groups. Combine that with Rojas’s undeniable talent and the Virginia native is primed for a huge second year.

Rojas was able to get a decent amount of snaps last season and the experience will hold well for him. I expect Rojas to be one of the leaders in tackles for the Nittany Lions, using his athleticism to fly all over the field. 

Noah Flenard: Trey Wallace

I predict wide receiver Trey Wallace will be a breakout star for the Nittany Lions this year. He has shown flashes of being a dynamic player in the open field but has struggled with injuries. If he can stay healthy, expect Wallace to be a reliable receiver for Drew Allar.

CJ Doebler: Tyler Warren

Some may argue that tight end Tyler Warren may have had his breakout season last year, but I think the tight end is on an upward trajectory and will go well beyond his expectations this season. Warren showed his talent in the number two spot last year, and he’ll be an even more consistent target once he moves into the number one tight end spot.

Warren finished last season with 11 receiving touchdowns, good enough for fourth all-time among Penn State tight ends. If he continues to build on his level of play, 2024 is going to be a big year for Warren.

Mitch Corcoran: Zakee Wheatley

I’m going to cheat a little bit and name a few guys I think will break out. I think Tony Rojas, Andrew Rappleyea, and A.J. Harris will all break out this season, but because I have to pick one, my real breakout player is safety Zakee Wheatley.  

Wheatley is now a redshirt junior and in a talented safety room, led by KJ Winston and Jaylen Reed, making Wheatley an under-the-radar player. Dating back to the start of spring practice, James Franklin has consistently mentioned Wheatley’s development. 

He said back in March that Wheatley has had “by far his best offseason. Not even close.” Franklin also said Wheatley’s development allows Reed to play nickelback. 

I asked Wheatly during the team’s media day about his progression this offseason and he said he’s brought a different mindset and mentality to everything body recovery, film, nutrition, and of course, practice. Wheatly also said he was practicing in the box, playing man-to-man, and half and third zone coverages, depending on the play call. 

I expect Wheatly to get a significant increase in playing time and I also expect him to rack up pass breakups and interceptions. 

Joe Lister: Drew Allar

You’re all laughing. I’m dead serious.

Quarterback Drew Allar is about to prove a lot of people wrong. Is Allar a Heisman Trophy winner? Probably not. Will he be on that stage in New York City in a few months? Hell yeah. I might be drinking the Andy Kotelnicki Kool-Aid a little bit here, but Allar is a top quarterback talent. He’s going to show it this year.