Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Benjamin Brahmer could quickly become the focal point of the Nittany Lions' offense. (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)
For the first time since the transfer portal was implemented across college football, Penn State Football’s starting lineup, and roster, is filled with transfer portal additions rather than “homegrown” talent to begin the Matt Campbell era.
Campbell brought most of these players from his 2025 Iowa State team, but the Penn State staff also filled roster holes with other transfer portal additions from around the country.
New Strategy in Happy Valley: Transfer-Heavy Penn State Football Era
With the roster filled up and down with 38 incoming transfers for the 2026 team, here are the four players out of that group with the highest ceiling for 2026.
Marcus Neal Jr.: The Backside Enforcer
Why He’s the Perfect Fit for D’Anton Lynn’s Secondary
One of the most coveted players in the transfer portal, rising junior Marcus Neal Jr. looks to build on an impressive sophomore campaign in which he led the Cyclones in tackles for a loss and tied for the team lead in interceptions, total tackles, and fumble recoveries.
Neal Jr. is a plug and play starter on the backside of new Penn State defensive coordinator Anthony Lynn’s defense that could raise his level of play even more in 2026.
A tough hitter that does not mind playing down into the box, Neal Jr. is poised for a dominant campaign in blue and white this season.
Ben Brahmer: Continuing the ‘TEU’ Tradition
Penn State fans have seen a run of special tight ends play in Happy Valley over the past decade.
The Nittany Lions have sent Mike Gesicki, Pat Freiermuth, Brenton Strange, Theo Johnson, and Tyler Warren all off to the NFL over the past 10 years, creating a strong “TEU” resume at Penn State.
This season should be no different as Matt Campbell and Penn State offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Taylor Mouser have brought in two very productive tight ends from Iowa State with them for 2026.
Ben Brahmer is coming off a season leading the Cyclones in receptions with 37 catches for 446 yards and six touchdowns last season.
Reunited with his quarterback Rocco Becht in Happy Valley this season, Brahmer has a chance to once again be Becht’s favorite target this season and improve upon his All-Big 12 second team performance from a season ago.
Rocco Becht: The Veteran Leader with 26 Career Wins
Overcoming the Injury Hurdle in 2026
Speaking of quarterback Rocco Becht, the rising redshirt senior is working his way back from a shoulder injury that impacted his play in the second half of last season for the Cyclones.
The 6-foot-1, 209 pound quarterback from Florida is the winningest returning quarterback in college football heading into 2026, with 26 career wins during his time at Iowa State with Coach Campbell.
Becht will be operating with arguably the most talented lineup that he has had in his college career and will look to get back to form following his injury.
Becht has thrown for 9,274 yards and 64 touchdowns over 42 career games and comes to Penn State as one of the most experienced signal callers in the country.
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James Peoples: The Explosive Wildcard from Ohio State
While I projected Carson Hansen to start the season as the Nittany Lions starting running back, the player with the highest ceiling in the running back room might very well be Ohio State transfer James Peoples.
The junior running back rushed for 344 yards and three touchdowns with the Buckeyes last season playing the role of RB3 behind Bo Jackson and CJ Donaldson.
This season, Peoples will have the opportunity to show why he was a top 10 running back in his recruiting class and the number 115 overall player. With his track speed and athletic prowess, Peoples’ ceiling is very high for the Nittany Lions in 2026.
Penn State will count on quite a few transfer portal additions to become key pieces on the Nittany Lions 2026 team. These four may have the highest ceilings, but there are plenty others that will play pivotal roles in Matt Campbell’s first season at Penn State.
EXCLUSIVE: Meet The ‘Under the Radar’ QB Who Could Define Penn State’s 2027 Class
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- “Blindsided”, “Caught off Guard” James Franklin Breaks Silence on His Final Days at Penn State - May 8, 2026
- Penn State Football Transfer Portal Impact: Ranking the 4 Most Explosive Additions for 2026 - May 5, 2026
- From Rocco Becht to Malachi Goodman: Projecting Penn State’s Offensive Starters for 2026 - May 4, 2026
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