Penn State Defense Preview: Key Questions for Iowa Transfers in 2026
By John Damon
As Penn State prepares for the 2026 season, the Nittany Lions' defense faces major questions — especially with several key transfers from Iowa State now in the fold. Head coach Matt Campbell brought a wave of Cyclones to State College, and their performance will determine whether the defense can hold its own in the Big Ten.
The defensive line, in particular, is undergoing a rebuild. With new coordinator D'Anton Lynn taking over, the unit will be tested early when Penn State hosts Marshall on Sept. 5. Here's a position-by-position breakdown of the projected starters and the biggest questions facing each player.
Defensive End Alexander McPherson: Can He Build on a Productive Spring?
McPherson, a sophomore transfer from Colorado, impressed the coaching staff this spring. He added nine pounds to his frame (now 254) and drew praise from Campbell, who called him one of the most underrated transfers in the class. McPherson made four solo tackles against Iowa State last year, and his development will be a key test for the defensive line.
Defensive Tackle Armstrong Nnodim: Is the Hype Real?
Nnodim, a redshirt sophomore from Oklahoma State, generated the most positive spring reviews of any defensive player. Position coach Ikaika Malloe called him a pit bull, offensive lineman Cooper Cousins called him an absolute bruiser, and strength coach Reid Kagy said he has become a glue guy. If he lives up to the early buzz, Nnodim could be a standout in the middle of the line.
Defensive Tackle Siale Taupaki: Is Year 8 the Charm?
Taupaki is one of the most fascinating transfers in college football. He spent seven years at UCLA, playing for Lynn in 2023, before joining Penn State. He took a COVID year bonus and two more years due to injuries, even playing offensive line for the Bruins at one point. Now he's trying to emerge at a position group with five newcomers. I owe this to myself, Taupaki said. I'm just owing it to myself at the end of the day because it's something that I truly deserve.
Defensive End Ikenna Ezeogu: Can He Be a Full-Time Edge Rusher?
Ezeogu, a 275-pound redshirt senior, split his snaps between end and tackle at Iowa State last season. At Penn State, he will focus on the edge, where the Nittany Lions need pressure. He started all 12 games for the Cyclones but made just one sack. He'll compete with Yvan Kemajou and Max Granville for reps, but his experience and size give him an edge.
Linebacker Tony Rojas: When Will He Be Ready?
Rojas' 2025 ACL tear was a major blow to the defense. He is progressing well in rehab, according to Kagy, and has said he will return better than people expect. The three-game non-conference schedule gives him time to get his legs back, but Penn State will need him at full strength for the Big Ten opener against Wisconsin.
Linebacker Caleb Bacon: Can He Match His Iowa State Productivity?
Bacon walked on at Iowa State with little FBS recruiting attention but blossomed into a first-rate linebacker. He led the Cyclones with three sacks and made 9.5 tackles for loss last season. Now part of a deep position group at Penn State, the question is whether he can replicate that production in the Big Ten.
Linebacker Kooper Ebel: Can He Stay on the Field?
Ebel tied for the team lead in tackles at Iowa State last season (77) and made 8.5 tackles for loss. But Penn State may use five-man secondaries to get Zion Tracy onto the field, which could limit Ebel's snaps. Campbell didn't bring Tracy in to sit on the bench, so Ebel and Bacon might play different roles.
Cornerback Audavion Collins: Can He Keep the Underdog Mindset?
Collins, a fifth-year senior and returning starter, has outplayed his recruiting ranking (926th nationally in 2022). He started his career at Mississippi State and has become the leader of a deep cornerback room. It's my room, Collins said, indicating he plans to be the top presence despite challenges from younger players like Jahmir Joseph and Josiah Zayas.
Safety Marcus Neal Jr.: Could He Bloom Into a First-Round Pick?
Neal, who started 12 games at Iowa State last season, is already getting first-round projections in the 2027 NFL Draft. He made 11 tackles for loss last year and has the versatility to be a disruptor. Lynn will use him on blitzes, just as Iowa State did. As Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick wrote, Neal is an impact box safety with physicality and range.
Safety Jeremiah Cooper: Will He Be Ready, Part II?
Cooper is coming off a 2025 ACL tear that sidelined him for spring drills. When healthy, he is one of the best players Campbell signed from Iowa State. A two-time all-Big 12 safety who played cornerback last year before the injury, Cooper and Neal form one of the Big Ten's best safety combos. Cooper is the most important player Penn State fans haven't seen yet.
Cornerback Daryus Dixson: Is He Ready to Be a Lockdown Corner?
Dixson made two starts and played in all 13 games as a freshman. Terry Smith raved about his season and made sure he returned. From the time I took over as interim head coach, we knew he was going to be a guy that you have to keep in the program, Smith said. The sophomore will start opposite Collins and could ultimately be the best cornerback in the room, but he needs more seasoning.
FAQ: Penn State Defense 2026
Who are the key Iowa State transfers on Penn State's defense?
Key transfers include defensive end Ikenna Ezeogu, linebacker Caleb Bacon, linebacker Kooper Ebel, and safety Marcus Neal Jr. All four played significant roles for the Cyclones last season.
How will the defensive line look after the rebuild?
The defensive line features five newcomers, including transfers McPherson, Nnodim, Taupaki, and Ezeogu. The unit will rely on experience from Taupaki and Ezeogu while hoping younger players like McPherson and Nnodim step up.
When will Tony Rojas and Jeremiah Cooper return from ACL injuries?
Both are expected to be ready for the start of the season. Rojas has the three-game non-conference schedule to get back to full speed, while Cooper should be available for the Big Ten opener against Wisconsin.
Can this defense compete in the Big Ten?
With a mix of experienced transfers and returning talent, the defense has the potential to be competitive. The key will be how quickly the new players gel and whether the defensive line can generate consistent pressure.
Photo: Sports Illustrated