Alright, we already have a post tracking players that are entering the portal, but it seems like we’ll need a post that tracks Penn State players who are staying in Happy Valley. That will be this post.
TE Andrew Rappleyea (12/30/25)
After suffering a season-ending injury early in 2024, Rappleyea bounced back with a strong season in 2025 as he got healthier and healthier. He finished the year with 20 receptions
for 180 yards and 3 touchdowns, with 10 of those receptions and all 3 of those touchdowns coming in the final three games of the year against Nebraska, Rutgers, and Clemson.
OL Anthony Donkoh (12/30/25)
Massive one for Penn State here. Donkoh is a two-year starter on the offensive line for the Nittany Lions, seeing time at right tackle in 2024 and guard in 2025. Personally, I think he’ll get pushed back out to right tackle in 2026 where he should be one of the best in the Big Ten. Like Cousins, someone who very well could be a captain as well.
OL Owen Aliciene (12/29/25)
Aliciene is coming off a redshirt season, but he did see some snaps against Nevada and seems poised to at the very least battle for the left tackle starting gig. At 6-foot-7, 298 pounds, Aliciene has a massive build and frame that could probably hold another 20 or so pounds. Big offseason ahead for him.
OL Cooper Cousins (12/29/25)
Cousins is the first Penn Stater to ~officially~ announce that he’ll be turning to Penn State in 2026. Cousins is entering his third year with the program, and after starting in the Pinstripe Bowl, will almost assuredly be a starter for the Nittany Lions in 2026. Whether that’s at center or one of the guard spots remains to be seen, but Cousins should be a stalwart on the line and a potential captain despite only being a true junior.
