Penn State Football's Offseason Reset: Key Upgrades and Concerns for 2026
By John Damon for Just The News Iowa
As Penn State football kicks off its first training camp under head coach Matt Campbell, the Nittany Lions face a season of transition and tempered expectations. After entering 2025 as a national title contender, the team now sits at No. 17 in the preseason Coaches Poll, aiming simply to make the College Football Playoff. For Iowa fans, the story holds particular interest: several key players and coaches have ties to the Hawkeye State, and the Nittany Lions' fortunes could impact the Big Ten landscape.
What Changed for Penn State?
The 2025 season saw Penn State stumble after a promising start. The defense, once a strength, gave up an average of 20.5 points per game under former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, ballooning to 24.4 over the final nine games. The offense, meanwhile, struggled with predictability and a lack of explosive plays. Now, with new coordinators and a roster reshaped by transfers, the team hopes to rebound.
Three Key Improvements
A More Patient Defensive Coordinator
New defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn has taken a deliberate approach to installing his scheme, a contrast to Knowles' rushed process. Linebacker Tony Rojas noted at Big Ten Media Days that Lynn is 'taking the time' to ensure players understand the defense. This could be critical for a unit that struggled with consistency last season.
A More Aggressive Offensive Coordinator
Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser brings a 'spread-pro offense' designed to create explosive plays through the air. Quarterback Rocco Becht praised the approach, saying, 'He's not going to go out there and call a game scared. He's going to call a game to win.' This marks a shift from the conservative play-calling that frustrated fans last year.
Deeper Linebacker Room
Penn State's season unraveled after Rojas tore his ACL, exposing a lack of depth at linebacker. The team went 4-5 in his absence. This offseason, the Nittany Lions added three Iowa State transfers, including leading tackler Kooper Ebel, who is expected to start at middle linebacker. The infusion of talent should prevent a repeat of last year's collapse.
Three Potential Downgrades
Resetting the Backfield
The Nittany Lions lost NFL-bound running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, who combined for 2,139 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. Their replacements—Carson Hansen, James Peoples, and Quinton Martin Jr.—are talented but unproven at this level. Replacing that production will be a challenge.
Lack of Star Power
Last year's team featured household names like Allen, Singleton, and defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton. This year, the roster lacks clear headliners. Tight end Ben Brahmer is the closest to a star, but the team will need others to emerge if it hopes to compete for a championship.
Backup Quarterback Uncertainty
With starter Drew Allar gone, the backup role is a question mark. Alex Manske, a highly touted recruit, missed spring practice due to a medical condition and has only played in three college games. Coach Campbell called Manske's return 'monumental,' but his readiness remains uncertain.
What This Means for Iowa
For Iowa fans, Penn State's struggles and rebuild are a reminder of the volatility in college football. The Nittany Lions' reliance on Iowa State transfers also highlights the growing trend of player movement within the Big 12 and Big Ten. As the season unfolds, Iowa's own matchups against Penn State could be pivotal in the conference race.
This article is based on reporting from Sports Illustrated.