Two more sleeps, folks.

In what is turning out to be one of the most anticipated Penn State football seasons in recent memory, James Franklin and Co. are set to grace Beaver Stadium against Nevada on Saturday. The Nittany Lions open up as massive favorites in the contest, hoisting a drastic talent advantage over the Wolf Pack.

As Penn State gears up for battle, it’s important to note that the Nittany Lions have a plethora of weapons, including talented backups at almost every position. Although there are bona fide stars on both sides of the ball, it remains to be seen what unexpected players will make the biggest impact this season, so our staff took a crack at who might be in the running for being a breakout player this season for the Nittany Lions.

Oscar Orellana: Safety Antoine Belgrave-Shorter

While Penn State’s offense has gone through a complete transformation with the transfer portal this offseason, the defense remained relatively home-grown in terms of roster talent. James Franklin named redshirt freshman Antoine Belgrave-Shorter as Penn State’s starting strong safety in his first game-week press conference of the season, partnering him with Zakee Wheatley.

The sheer fact that Belgrave-Shorter beat out more experienced names like Dejuan Lane and King Mack shows how much potential Franklin and the rest of the coaching staff see in him. He led the Nittany Lions in interceptions and turnovers in training camp, and I think he’ll be a household name in Penn State’s defense and in the Big Ten come January.

Jamie Lynch: Safety Zakee Wheatley

While Wheatley has already shown flashes of star power on this Penn State defensive unit, I think he is poised for a breakout season in 2025. 

His performance in last year’s Fiesta Bowl was impressive, recording an interception, fumble recovery, three tackles, and earning MVP honors. In the Orange Bowl, he recorded 16 tackles, a sack, and an interception. Dubbed a “turnover machine” by James Franklin, Wheatley is an absolute ball hog that will make opposing quarterbacks pay for their mistakes.

He is also incredibly fast, a common theme of Penn State’s talented secondary. I think Wheatley will continue what he started during last year’s College Football Playoff and be a key piece for the Nittany Lions this fall.

CJ Gill: Wide Receiver Kyron Hudson

I think Hudson is the most likely to be the biggest producer of the three transfer wide receivers that Franklin and the Nittany Lions brought into the room this offseason. It’s well documented how weak the group has been over the past few years, but I think this year is going to be completely different for the guys on the outside. Hudson has great size, never drops a pass, and has already lined up across from Big Ten competition. The USC transfer has all the tools to be Penn State’s breakout player this fall.

Michael Zeno: Tight End Luke Reynolds

The Penn State offense has a gigantic hole to fill with the departure of All-American Tyler Warren to the NFL. It’s unrealistic to expect the TE room to even come close to replacing his production, but I think one player will break out and do just enough.

Luke Reynolds flashed last year as a true freshman, early as a depth tight end late in games, and later on as a backup to Warren, along with Khalil Dinkins. Reynolds has already shown an ability to make tough catches (a Warren trademark), be a capable blocker, and move well in open space, like when he executed the fake punt against Minnesota. Reynolds is next in line at the new TEU.

Cooper Cazares: Linebacker Amare Campbell

When the depth at linebacker looked grim, James Franklin made an announcement after the Blue-White Game in April. He called for any and all players who wanted to compete for a spot at “Linebacker U” to hop in the transfer portal and become a Nittany Lion. North Carolina’s Amare Campbell did just that. The former Tar Heel dominated in his sophomore season with 76 total tackles, including 45 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and two pass breakups. All reports of Campbell since arriving at camp have been more than positive and now he’s ready to take on a Big Ten schedule. Not only did Campbell show up and compete, but he could very well steal a starting mike linebacker position from an experienced Dom Deluca. If you don’t already know the name, you will soon enough.

Michael Siroty: Cornerback Elliot Washington II

Cornerback Elliot Washington II is my pick for Penn State’s breakout player this season. Washington got better as last season went on, and I believe he’ll carry that into the 2025 campaign. With the Nittany Lions set to see great receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Dakorien Moore, the secondary will be tested heavily, and Washington will answer strongly.

Jack Anderson-Jussen: Ethan Grunkemeyer

It’s not often a redshirt freshman quarterback makes waves right away at Penn State, but Ethan Grunkemeyer has the tools to turn heads this season. While he won’t be starting with Drew Allar entrenched under center, Grunkemeyer’s poise, arm strength, and football IQ have already shown promise in camp. He’s the type of player who could see action in key spots or make a name for himself in blowout games, giving fans a glimpse of the program’s future at quarterback. Everybody loves an underdog, and I think Ethan is it. Don’t be surprised if by the end of the year, Grunkemeyer is the name everyone’s buzzing about as Penn State’s next big thing and the rightful heir to Drew Allar’s throne.