Happy Week 1, folks.

The wait is finally over; Penn State football is back.

With new leadership, fresh faces, and big expectations surrounding the Nittany Lions, we asked our staff to predict the Penn State football player they believe is destined for a breakout season. 

Collin Ward: Punter, Lucas Tenbrock

Who doesn’t love a good punter?

This is the Big Ten; we play real football up north. Punters are a vital part of the game, and I just have a feeling Lucas Tenbrock is going to put on a show for the Nittany Lion faithful come the 2026 season.

Michael Zeno: Defensive End, Max Granville

With the graduation of several key edge rushers, there’s a void that needs filling on the defensive line.

D’Anton Lynn has plenty of guys who are capable of being all-conference, including Yvan Kemajou and Alex McPherson, but I can’t forget the hype that Granville got ahead of the 2025 season before he got hurt.

He was one of the more under-the-radar retentions by Matt Campbell and company, and I firmly believe he’s going to be a star.

Karlee Feger: Defensive Tackle, Keanu Williams 

The redshirt senior from UCLA is expected to fill a big void as Matt Campbell looks to rebuild the Nittany Lions’ defensive line. At 6-foot-5 and 317 pounds, Williams is coming off his best season, recording 39 tackles for the Bruins in 2025.

After earning preseason praise and reuniting with his former defensive coordinator, Williams is in a great position to be a game-changer on the line for the Nittany Lions.  

Jason Perry: Tight End, Benjamin Brahmer

Penn State has produced many NFL tight ends in the past, most notably John Mackey Award winner Tyler Warren, who graduated in 2024 and now plays for the Indianapolis Colts.

In my opinion, Benjamin Brahmer has what it takes to be the next great Penn State tight end.

After three seasons at Iowa State, Brahmer followed head coach Matt Campbell to Happy Valley, along with a ton of other Iowa State players. He should fit in well on the offense and excel in his senior season.

Cadyn Gill: Wide Receiver, Chase Sowell

Chase Sowell told me personally that he sat down with his receivers coach Kashif Moore during winter workouts and created a vision to replicate Skylar Bell’s Heisman-candidate-worthy season, which Moore partially directed at UConn in 2025.

Sure, Sowell has flashed throughout his college career, logging 500+ receiving yards in three straight seasons, but I expect him to truly break out this fall in Happy Valley.

His 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame and innate downfield physicality allow him to beat man coverage, which is reflected in his 19.9 yards per catch in 2024. Expect Sowell to cook up a strong 60+ catches and eclipse the 750-yard mark in 2026.

Oscar Orellana: Running Back, Cam Wallace

Taylor Mouser said Tuesday that four running backs will see action in Penn State’s season opener against Marshall: Carson Hansen, James Peoples, Quinton Martin Jr., and Cam Wallace.

Hansen and Peoples are widely regarded as the team’s two premier backs. Martin made a name for himself in the back half of last season and is known in the Penn State sphere. Wallace, however, seems to be an up-and-coming name who can capitalize on the shared carries among the four.

If he can get through non-conference play as a productive back and keep himself steady, I can see him taking on an even greater load throughout the season, making him the team’s breakout player. He is a redshirt junior, but age is nothing but a number.

Holden Mostofsky: Running Back, James Peoples

Peoples transferred from Ohio State, one of the most dominant and successful offenses in the country. I’m sure he had great coaching and practiced against the best competition in college football, so his experience is notable.

There’s no clear go-to running back for Penn State yet, but Peoples will get touches and have time to prove himself. Penn State has a great offensive line and, in recent years, really great running backs. Even if he splits carries, I think he’ll have a strong season.

Alex Wilczynski: Wide Receiver, Brett Eskildsen

Let’s talk about potential. All eyes on Brett Eskildsen. The Iowa State transfer could be ready to make some serious noise in Happy Valley this season.

With his proven track record of producing and plenty of experience, he could make this fresh opportunity electric. Don’t be surprised if Eskildsen brings the energy to Beaver Stadium and becomes a name we all can’t stop talking about.

Jamie Lynch: Tight End, Andrew Rappleyea

I chose Eskildsen as my Penn State football most valuable player in 2026, and that pick can honestly apply here too. Instead, I decided to go with Andrew Rappleyea, someone I haven’t been shy about expressing excitement for heading into the season.

Rappleyea burst onto the scene last year after returning from a season-ending knee injury in 2024. In eight games, he tallied 180 yards on 20 receptions and three touchdowns, and put his blocking abilities on full display.

Mouser loves to put multiple tight ends on the field, and I think Rappleyea is poised for a breakout season in this system. His size and athleticism will complement Benjamin Brahmer and Gabe Burkle well.