Penn State has gained some serious notoriety for its tight end room over the past decade. From Mike Gesicki to Pat Friermuth and, more recently, Tyler Warren, the Nittany Lions have quickly inserted themselves into the “TEU” conversation.

Luke Reynolds appeared as if he could eventually become the next Penn State great. In 2025, he notched 26 receptions and 257 yards in his first season as the team’s primary option, but ultimately hit the transfer portal following James Franklin’s departure.

Andrew Olesh was another player who had a lot of promise, a highly-rated four-star prospect coming out of high school, but decided to leave Happy Valley following last season as well.

Fortunately for Penn State, a combination of retention and transfers has given the team a deep look at tight end talent for 2026. With a homegrown breakout star ready to excel, in addition to a trio of former Iowa State players, the Nittany Lions have a lot to be excited about at the position going forward.

Projected Starters

Let’s start with a familiar face who will look to play a big role in the Penn State offense, Andrew Rappleyea. 

After suffering a long-term injury in 2024 in his second year of eligibility, Rappleyea broke onto the scene as one of the few bright spots in 2025. In eight games, the tight end caught 20 passes for 180 yards and recorded a touchdown in each of the last three contests of the season.

The 6’4” 250-pounder is a strong blocker, increasingly making his physical presence known as the season progressed. Look for Rappleyea to serve as an H-Back in certain formations this season.

In the team’s Pinstripe Bowl victory over Clemson, Rappleyea proved that he could generate separation as well as make contested catches, putting his athleticism on full display.

But coaches and players are always looking for competition in a position room for players to feed off one another and improve, and that’s exactly what Rappleyea has in new Nittany Lion Benjamin Brahmer.

Brahmer transferred from Iowa State to Happy Valley in January, marking a huge get for Penn State following the departures of Luke Reynolds and Andrew Olesh to Virginia Tech and Oregon, respectively. 

The senior tight end was Rocco Becht’s most reliable target last season with the Cyclones, accounting for 37 receptions, 446 yards, and six touchdowns. Over the course of three seasons, Brahmer has tallied 75 catches, 977 yards, and nine touchdowns.

Standing at 6’7” and 255 pounds, Penn State’s tight end room will not be lacking in size in 2026. Look for both Rappleyea and Brahmer to see the field simultaneously, as Taylor Mouser has shown in the past that he is a big proponent of two-tight-end sets.

Supporting Cast

Gabe Burkle, another Iowa State transfer, is poised to make an impact this fall in the blue and white. The senior announced that he would follow Campbell to Penn State the day after Brahmer made the jump, bolstering the team’s depth at the position.

In 2025, Burkle recorded 302 yards on 26 receptions and one touchdown. His sophomore statline was almost perfectly equivalent, racking up the same number of receptions and touchdowns on only six fewer yards. 

Like Brahmer, Becht’s familiarity with having Burkle as a target will only serve to benefit the new-look Nittany Lions. Not to mention that Burkle is also massive in stature, measuring just one inch shorter and weighing the same as Brahmer.

Cooper Alexander rounds out the trio of former Cyclones that followed Campbell to Penn State. While much younger than his two counterparts, the rising sophomore got playing time in 11 games last season, picking up 47 yards on five receptions. 

While it’s doubtful that Alexander has much playing time ahead of him for this season, he previously played a role on special teams and could look to contribute in that regard.

Development Pieces

Brian Kortovich is in his second year of eligibility. He didn’t see the field in 2025, but was named the coaching staff’s Developmental Squad Offensive Player of the Week on two occasions. 

The Cleveland, Ohio, native committed to James Franklin and the Nittany Lions as a three-star recruit in December 2024 after flipping from Purdue. He was tabbed as the 20th-best player in the state and 27th tight end in the class of 2025, according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings.

State College native Finn Furmanek has been with the program for three seasons entering 2026. He has appeared in 17 games, primarily on special teams. The redshirt junior will likely continue this trajectory as he sits at the bottom of a crowded room.