Penn State football successfully held its first-ever Blue-White Practice at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. Penn State fans have been itching to see what the new-look Nittany Lions bring to the field — and despite the lackluster showing in the stadium due to the rain, the defense used the opportunity to flash what it’s learned through 15 practices.

The complete Penn State team faced some of the biggest turnover in all of college football in the offseason. It practically became a mixed bag of Nittany Lions and Cyclones. With that much change, it can be difficult to build trust and allow for a new coaching staff to instill true learning. But the Penn State defense doesn’t feel that way post-spring practice.

“I would give all the credit to my coaches and my teammates. Being around all these great players, you have to elevate your play,” linebacker Kooper Ebel said after Blue-White Practice. “I really enjoyed that on the offensive side, defensive side, coach [Dan] Connor, coach [Tyson] Veidt, and then being in a new system with coach [D’Anton] Lynn, really an NFL-style system has played to my favor and a lot of linebackers’ favor.”

Ebel wasn’t the only new Penn State defensive player to commend Lynn’s pro-style defense. Iowa State transfer safety Marcus Neal Jr. said he learned a lot of new things throughout spring ball in the new system. Iowa State ran a 3-3-5 defense under Jon Heacock, which features three down linemen, three linebackers, and six defensive backs. The scheme is meant to limit a spread offense in the pass game.

Lynn, on the other hand, was known for his 3-4 base defense that frequently transformed into nickel packages at UCLA and USC, which focuses on stopping the run and disguising how many defenders will engage in the rush. Lynn also gave the green dot to Trojan safety Kamari Ramsey in 2025, signaling his non-traditional leverage to linebackers.

Neal was one of the highest-rated safety transfers in the offseason. His physical tools and high football IQ make him a strong candidate for the role in 2026, and he understands how pivotal communication is in a defense. He also knows how Lynn can help him build on his two-interception, 77-tackle 2025 campaign.

“Wherever he feels you can help at, he’s gonna put you in that position, and there’s going to be a way for you to make plays,” Neal said following Blue-White Practice. “It’s not just gonna be a bunch of sitting ducks down here, guys gonna be flying around in different positions.”

Neal said he’s at his best when he’s free to perform a variety of duties in coverage.

However, with the new defensive system continuing to take shape, there’s been a big adjustment period, especially for former Iowa Staters like Neal and Ebel. A new program brings new tendencies, and that doesn’t reflect spotlessly without some growing pains.

“I would say at linebacker, the most, we’ve definitely had to unlearn some old habits. Not necessarily bad habits, but old habits. Just being off the ball at five yards now instead of two or three at times. Having an extra d-lineman in front of you, you kind of are able to flow more,” Ebel said. “You kind of feel like a true linebacker. Sometimes in the old defense, you’re kind of just plugging holes. It’s been awesome. We’ve really enjoyed it and look forward to continue growing it.”

Ebel said the biggest thing he’s had to learn is how to be patient. In an old-school defense, reps were won or lost on the first step based on proximity to the line of scrimmage. Ebel said he lets the play breathe, reads it, and then puts his foot on the gas to really maximize his effect.

After true worries about the mixture of Penn State and Iowa State on a new team, Blue-White Practice only reinforced that spring ball helped fill the gap.

“I’d say the biggest thing we’ve taken a step forward on is in between the whistles,” Ebel said. “I think we’ve done a great job mentally winning between the whistles. Get lined up, ‘What’s the call?’ Great communication. It’s been awesome.”