With their 22-10 win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl, Penn State’s (oft turbulent) 2025 season has come to a close. The Lions end the year 7-6, riding a 4-game win streak into the off season.
There have
already been announcements from players that are looking to transfer , and others that will be heading to the NFL Draft. To those moving on from the program, I wish the best of luck, and thank you for your time in the Blue and White.
I’m curious which players you think Matt Campbell should do his best to retain. Which of the current Nittany Lions should be priorities for the new coaching regime?
On offense, here’s the list I have:
- QB Ethan Grunkemeyer
- RB Quinton Martin
- RB Corey Smith
- WR Koby Howard
- TE Andrew Rappleyea
- OL Owen Aliciene
- OL Cooper Cousins
- OL TJ Shanahan
The QB room will be a key one to watch, as Campbell may look to bring in a transfer or two . . . but with how well Grunk played down the stretch, I think he should be QB1 going forward. The young RBs showed out, and should be near the top of the list of players to retain. The receiving corps will likely be completely different in 2026, but Howard and Rapp should be there. The OL is going to look pretty different next year as well, but the three OL listed would all be nice to have for some continuity.
On defense, these are the players I’d like to see stay:
- DE Jaylen Harvey
- DE Max Granville
- DE Yvan Kemajou
- LB Tony Rojas
- LB Keon Wylie
- CB Daryus Dixson
- CB Jahmir Joseph
- CB Zion Tracy
- S Dejuan Lane
- S King Mack
- S Vabou Toure
Granville was hurt in the preseason, while Harvey and Yvan made some noise in the bowl game. Rojas would be fantastic to get back, and with Terry Smith still on the staff I think the odds of him staying increase. Dixson is potentially my #1 DB going into next year, though the safety trio of Lane, Mack, and Toure would be fantastic as well. Notably, I’m not particularly sold on any of the DTs currently on the roster. I’m sure there’s a breakout candidate in there somewhere, but other than Zane Durant, the DTs this year didn’t make much of an impact.
On special teams, K Ryan Barker would be my only real “must have,” as he was automatic in the blustery, slippery conditions against Clemson. I’d love to have P Gabe Nwosu back, but he is out of eligibility unfortunately.
But what do you think? Which players should be near the top of the list for Matt Campbell to retain?
