Penn State's 2026 season will feature a completely overhauled roster following an offseason of significant transition. A coaching change led to a flurry of activity in the transfer portal, which led to a number of new faces on the program. We have taken some time to profile each player on the roster this season, but now it is time to dig a little deeper on the 25 players who will play the largest roles on the roster.
The tight end position has been one of the more consistently productive positions at Penn State over the past decade, but there is a new coaching staff putting together the offensive game plans now. Despite the changes, the tight end position should still be instrumental in the success of the Penn State offense in 2026, and the return of Andrew Rappleyea gives Penn State a possible star in the making at the position as he enters his redshirt junior season. Could this be a breakout candidate?
2025 in review
After essentially missing the entire 2024 season due to injury, Andrew Rappleyea saw action in 13 games during the 2025 season, including eight starts. Rappleyea recorded 20 receptions for 180 yards with three touchdowns, and he ended the season with some momentum in the offense. Rappleyea had a career-long 53-yard catch in the regular-season finale against Rutgers, and he ended the season with a pivotal 11-yard touchdown in the Pinstripe Bowl victory over Clemson. In the Pinstripe Bowl, Rappleyea had five receptions for 18 yards.
Biggest question for 2026
What exactly will the tight end position look like in 2026, and what role will Andrew Rappleyea fill in it? Rappleyea was the second-leading tight end on the roster last season behind Luke Reynolds, who followed James Franklin to Virginia Tech by way of the transfer portal this offseason. But Penn State brought in former Iowa State tight ends Benjamin Brahmer and Gabe Burkle from the transfer portal to fill the roster. All three could see some action in the offense this season, but Rappleyea could be one of the leading options if he can prove worthy of being a primary target.
2026 will be a success if...
Penn State has developed a nice track record for tight end development and production, but this is a new coaching staff running the show. In order for Rappleyea's season to be considered a success, he does not have to be the leading receiver the way a guy like Tyler Warren was a few seasons ago, but picking up where his 2025 season left off would be good to see. Catching 30 passes for a few hundred receiving yards and a few touchdowns may be all that is needed to qualify as a success this fall.
2026 will be a disappointment if...
If Rappleyea does not end the season as Penn State's top tight end in terms of receiving production, that would be a bit of a disappointment. That may not mean the offense is hindered, as Benjamin Brahmer could be an option to be a leading contributor.
Realistic outlook for 2026
Do not expect to see Andrew Rappleya turn in a massive year in terms of receiving yards and touchdowns, but it will be fair to expect to see him be a consistent factor in the offensive game plan. At the end of the season, Rappleyea should be among the top-five receivers on the roster, and he may have a shot at being the team's leading tight end as the season goes on.
Penn State Top 25 Players in 2026
Kevin McGuire is the lead writer for Nittany Lions Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on BlueSky, Threads or any of these other platforms.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State Top 25 players for 2026: Andrew Rappleyea