We’re back with one of our favorite Summer time series where we give three reasons for optimism and concern for Penn State football’s offense, defense, and special teams. Per usual, we begin with our three reasons to be optimistic about the offense in Matt Campbell’s first year in Happy Valley.
Three-year starter Drew Allar may be gone, but in comes fourth-year starter Rocco Becht, who will play his final year of college ball in a blue and white uniform. Becht brings 64 touchdowns passes and over 9,000 yards passing under his belt, and will provide some critical veteran leadership to the offense. He may not have the physical tools Drew had in terms of arm strength, but he possesses that “gamer” attitude akin to Trace McSorley and will be a guy who in addition to throwing, will not hesitate use his legs when necessary to make plays. Although he was limited for most of the year thus far, due to recovering from labrum surgery, he recovered quicker than expected to the point where he was able to get see some Spring reps. How Penn State’s 2026 season goes hinges a good amount on whether Rocco can remain healthy throughout.
Penn State already received excellent news when Andrew Rappleyea announced he would stay and play under Matt Campbell’s staff, but combine that with 6’7” behemoth Ben Brahmer joining the fold from Iowa State, and you have arguably one of the best tight end rooms not only in the Big Ten, but in all of college football. Coming off a career-best 37 catches for 446 yards and four TD’s last season, look for Brahmer and Rapp to team up against opposing defenses, Bash Brothers-style.
3. An offensive coordinator who loves to utilize the first two reasons
Taylor Mouser followed Matt Campbell to Happy Valley to become Penn State’s offensive coordinator, which means that Rocco will have the same play caller he’s had from the last few years and that the tight ends are going to be a huge part of the Nittany Lions’ offensive attack. Seriously, go watch Coach Codutti’s breakdown of how much Mouser loves him a good 13 and even 14 personnel package and tell me you’re not counting down the days until the regular season debut against Marshall.