NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.
Head coach Matt Campbell has Penn State Football on a recruiting trail winning streak. (Syndication: Hanover Evening Sun)
It’s a new era for Penn State Football.
As Matt Campbell ties a bow on his first spring in Happy Valley as head coach of the Nittany Lions, few position groups will be more vital to Penn State‘s trajectory in 2026 than a quarterback room that is in a complete state of flux.
Drew Allar is a Pittsburgh Steeler, Ethan Grunkemeyer followed James Franklin to Virginia Tech, via the transfer portal, and in State College, Rocco Becht spent the spring largely working his way back from injury after arriving from Iowa State, along with Campbell.
Matt Campbell has high praise for Penn State QB Connor Barry
Transfer quarterback Connor Barry was among the standouts from spring pracitce, according to Penn State Football head coach Matt Campbell. (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images)
“If you said, ‘Whose the guy who’s got the bulk of first-team reps or second-team reps and really made great strides,’ it’s been Connor,” Campbell told reporters, when asked to name his program’s spring MVP. “[He’s] kind of a guy who came out of nowhere a little bit for us. I’ve ben really proud of what you would expect [from] a guy who’s played college football, a guy that has been in the room, that has had to be the guy. I think there’s been great growth.”
According to Penn State on SI’s Mark Wogenrich, Barry led all Nittany Lions quarterabcks in live snaaps during spring practice.
Berry, a 6-foot-1 and 206-pound senior, transferred to Penn State this spring from Division III Christopher Newport, where he was a Second-Team All-American, and set the school record for passing yards and touchdowns.
In a crowded quarterback room that includes Becht, and Alex Manske, Berry’s playing time and experience could prove to be an asset this fall, and his strong spring could prove meaningful should disaster strike and he’s pressed into game action in the season ahead.
Loved this story? Get all our Penn State football coverage and insider updates first. Join our FREE newsletter — your front-row seat to the Lions.
Lombardo has covered the NFL for over a decade, with experience as a beat writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants for NJ Advance Media, the parent company of The Star-Ledger and NJ.com, and has covered the NFL Nationally for Heavy Sports, FanBuzz, and other top media outlets.
Lombardo is the founder, editor, and lead National NFL Reporter for Between The Hashmarks, and an on-air sports contributor for FOX 29 in Philadelphia.
Lombardo has a deeply rooted passion for Penn State sports, including as a season ticket holder for Penn State Football.
Lombardo applies his journalistic instincts and relentless drive to guide the NittanyCentral staff to deliver the content readers are searching for.
Lombardo has covered the NFL for over a decade, with experience as a beat writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants for NJ Advance Media, the parent company of The Star-Ledger and NJ.com, and has covered the NFL Nationally for Heavy Sports, FanBuzz, and other top media outlets.
Lombardo is the founder, editor, and lead National NFL Reporter for Between The Hashmarks, and an on-air sports contributor for FOX 29 in Philadelphia.
Lombardo has a deeply rooted passion for Penn State sports, including as a season ticket holder for Penn State Football.
Lombardo applies his journalistic instincts and relentless drive to guide the NittanyCentral staff to deliver the content readers are searching for.
Lombardo has covered the NFL for over a decade, with experience as a beat writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants for NJ Advance Media, the parent company of The Star-Ledger and NJ.com, and has covered the NFL Nationally for Heavy Sports, FanBuzz, and other top media outlets.
Lombardo is the founder, editor, and lead National NFL Reporter for Between The Hashmarks, and an on-air sports contributor for FOX 29 in Philadelphia.
Lombardo has a deeply rooted passion for Penn State sports, including as a season ticket holder for Penn State Football.
Lombardo applies his journalistic instincts and relentless drive to guide the NittanyCentral staff to deliver the content readers are searching for.
