The BSD staff recently voted for the top 10 Penn State players heading into 2026. The votes are dictated by how the players are expected to perform in the upcoming season, without factoring in long-term or NFL potential. Each member submitted a ballot with players ranked 1-10, with a first place vote being 10 points, and a last place vote being worth 1 point. Coming in at No. 9 is transfer center Brock Riker.
HOW HE GOT HERE
Brock Riker was a three-star prospect out of Texas who chose Texas State over
some other G5 and FCS schools. He redshirted his first year at Texas State, but then was a full-time starter in 2025 and that’s where he broke out. Riker earned second-team Freshman All-America honors from The Athletic while allowing zero sacks on the season. PFF graded him out as a 77.9 in pass blocking and 71.5 in run blocking, both good numbers and why Riker was able to hit the portal after 12 starts at Texas State.
While in the portal, Riker landed a number of offers and interest, but ended up choosing the Nittany Lions over Oklahoma and Alabama.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026
Riker came to Penn State with the intention to start at center and it seems like that’ll be what happens. While former walk-on Dom Rulli showed out in the Pinstripe Bowl and certainly gives the Nittany Lions a prime backup option, all expectation right now is that Riker is the guy at center.
I think what makes Riker unique, especially compared to the rest of the offensive line, is his ability to move. He’s only 291 pounds — making him the lightest starter on the line by about 30 pounds — but that’s often seen with centers. It’s a spot where you get duo blocks so pure strength isn’t as necessary (especially in the college game), and I think with Riker he’s probably a good enough mover you get utilize him on some pulls as well. Intriguing player making a big jump from the Sun Belt to the Big Ten, but clearly the talent is there.
