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.
Today the focus is on offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh, one of Penn State's most battle-tested and experienced offensive linemen heading into the 2026 season. Donkoh's return was a significant one this offseason when there were many players opting to leave through the transfer portal. With his return, Penn State's offensiv eline e potential to be an underrated line in the Big Ten this fall.
2025 in review
Anthony Donkoh was one of the more consistent parts of the offensive line last season. Donkoh appeared in all 13 games played by Penn State with 11 starts. This was after starting in 10 of 11 games during his redshirt freshman season of 2024. Donkoh had some up-and-down moments throughout a challenging 2025 season but ended on a positive note by helping the running game establish some dominance late in the year and in the postseason bowl victory over Clemson. Donkoh is the only starter returning to the Nittany Lions this season from last year's roster, although he is certainly not the only returning lineman with experience.
Biggest question for 2026
There is some room for improvement from Donkoh going into the 2026 season. While his run blocking had some good moments in 2025, it remains to be seen if he can be a bit more consistent in helping to open up running lanes for the backs. If Donkoh can become a more consistently effective run blocker, then Penn State's offense could be set up for a good amount of success this fall.
2026 will be a success if...
AS was just mentioned, Penn State's staff will hope to see more reliable run blocking from Anthony Donkoh in 2026. His results were a bit less consistent in 2025 compared to the 2024 season, when Penn State went on a run to the College Football Playoff semifinal. IF Donkoh makes a few adjustments with his feet to be better prepared to provide room for the running backs, then this could be a very successful season for Donkoh and the entire offensive line.
2026 will be a disappointment if...
With so many new pieces on the offensive line, there is always a concern about how quickly the unit gels into a cohesive unit. Donkoh's experience will make him a natural leader for the offensive line as it comes together, and there is some good potential for this offensive line if things work out early on. But if Donkoh and the line struggle to become one, it could be a problem against the tougher opponents on the schedule in October with Michigan and USC in back-to-back games.
Realistic outlook for 2026
There is a lot to like about the Penn State offensive line heading into the 2026 season, and the experience of Anthony Donkoh is one of the reasons for optimism. Donkoh's return sets the table for an offensive line that will have a battle-tested starter who has been through almost everything in the past two seasons, from going on a national championship push to the struggles of a year ago. Donkoh will continue to be a strong asset to protect quarterback Rocco Becht and will allow the running game to flourish as the line fully comes together to be on the same page.
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: Anthony Donkoh