It’s no secret that Penn State has churned out a handful of talented tight ends in recent years. Tyler Warren, Theo Johnson, Brenton Strange, Pat Freiermuth, and Mike Gesicki have all solidified themselves as NFL starters after leaving Happy Valley. Arguably, Penn State’s track record of tight end development is unmatched at the collegiate level, and it appears that trend will only continue in 2026 with Benjamin Brahmer.

After totaling 977 yards and nine touchdowns on 77 catches across three seasons with Iowa State, Brahmer was the first former Cyclone to follow Matt Campbell, from Ames to Happy Valley in January.

Along with him from Iowa State came Cooper Alexander and Gabe Burkle. The trio combined with returner Andrew Rappleyea to completely restock the tight end room that was vacated by Khalil Dinkins, who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as Luke Reynolds, Andrew Olesh, and Matt Henderson, who all departed Happy Valley through the transfer portal.

Rappleyea has been sidelined with an injury stemming from an offseason procedure, but upon return, he and Brahmer could form quite the formidable tight end duo. Until then, the senior finds himself healthy and at the top of the depth chart with spring ball underway, an opportunity that coach Campbell highlighted during post-practice media availability.

“Ben has had a really good spring. Honestly, this is the first offseason that Ben has truly had during his collegiate career, and I think you see it. He’s almost 258 [pounds] right now. In terms of body weight, he’s as strong and physical as he’s [ever] been.”

Brahmer is coming off a 2025 campaign where he received second-team All-Big 12 honors after racking up 446 yards and six touchdowns on 37 grabs, which would have led Penn State’s tight end room in all three categories.

The Pierce, Nebraska, native boasts a towering 6’7″ frame, which creates mismatches as a downfield weapon, but his enormous size has its downsides, specifically when it comes to blocking. Football is a sport of leverage, hence why you’ll often hear the expression “lower man wins”. But when you’re 6’7″, it’s hard to be the lowest guy.

“Obviously, [size] helps a little bit in the passing game, but it makes it a little harder in the run game,” said Brahmer.

Because of that, Brahmer has been focused on becoming a stronger in-line blocker during the offseason.

“I feel like I’ve been doing a good job in the run game, just getting my head down and blocking. That’s my main focus this offseason, is working extra on that and getting better at that, so I can get more consistent,” he said.

Coach Campbell sees the improvement, sharing that the tight end has made great strides as a “point-of-attack” player.

Adding an improved blocking ability to his toolkit could do wonders for Brahmer, who is already a proven downfield threat.

“It’s just kind of fun to play football when you’re a little bit bigger than somebody else,” he said while grinning.

But it’s not just brawn that matters in football; it’s the brains, too. Fortunately, Brahmer understands that and has taken the initiative to help offensive players around him.

“Coming in, knowing the offense, I get to teach some of the guys that don’t know the offense how to do everything, as well as learn all the little details over again myself. That’s really helped me, and it’s helped the other tight ends out as well.”

One of those “other” tight ends is Cooper Alexander, a young tight end who carries expectations described as “sky-high” by coach Campbell. Alexander has spent the last two years with Campbell and Brahmer at Iowa State.

“Coop has always been a really physical kid, and he can run as well. It’s always been fun watching him grow up under me. He’s gonna be a good player,” said Brahmer.

Having everyone on the same page is essential to the vision for the offense going into the Fall. Brahmer echoed the popular sentiments within the building of “detail” and “precision”, ensuring everyone knows their responsibility, play in and play out.

“You just got to focus on the little things like the details,” said Brahmer. “Know what your job is and do your 1/11th.”

As the Nittany Lions sort out the moving parts during spring ball, it’s clear that veterans like Brahmer are helping pave the foundation of Penn State’s offense early on.