Penn State’s big switch class will go a good distance towards figuring out the Nittany Lions’ success in the autumn.
First-year head coach Matt Campbell introduced two dozen gamers with him from Iowa State.
Quarterback Rocco Becht, operating again Carson Hansen, tight finish Ben Brahmer and security Marcus Neal Jr. are confirmed veterans who performed for the Cyclones final season.
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There are additionally a number of new Lions who could take a step ahead in 2026.
These 5 unsung gamers could surprise.
Cael Brezina. A junior linebacker and a teammate of Kooper Ebel and Caleb Bacon at Iowa State, the 6-3, 233-pound Brezina is battling Ebel, Bacon and returning Lion Tony Rojas for taking part in time.
He has expertise and expertise. Brezina simply wants constant enjoying time. He made 12 complete begins for the Cyclones the final two seasons.
Penn State soccer press conferences, Feb. 25, 2026
Siale Taupaki. One of the numerous extra-large defensive tackles Penn State added in the switch portal, the 6-2, 326-pound Taupaki is aware of what new place coach Ikaika Malloe expects from his guys.
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Malloe was at UCLA from 2022 to 2025. Taupaki, a redshirt senior, performed for the Bruins from 2020 to 2025, making eight begins.
Jamison Patton. Marcus Neal and Jeremiah Cooper must be the beginning safeties and Zion Tracy is the highest possibility on the nickel place in the Lions’ 4-2-5 alignment.
Patton, a veteran security who performed at Iowa State final season, appeared in 23 video games for the Cyclones the final two years, beginning in 4 of them. The 6-2, 206-pound Patton, a prime reserve, ought to see loads of snaps.
Penn State soccer press conferences, Feb. 25, 2026
Gabe Burkle. A 6-6, 242-pound redshirt senior tight finish, Burkle performed 4 seasons at Iowa State. He is coming off an ACL damage.
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Burkle was a stable participant for Iowa State, making 15 begins the final two seasons. He caught 52 passes for 598 yards and two touchdowns throughout that span.
A wholesome Burkle will likely be a part of Penn State’s deep tight finish rotation together with Brahmer and Andrew Rappleyea. Burkle’s closing collegiate season could be his best one.
Connor Barry. The switch quarterback from Division III Newport is in the combination to again up starter Rocco Becht.
Barry obtained loads of repetitions in the spring. His function could rely on the standing of redshirt freshman quarterback Alex Manske, who was held out of spring drills for an undisclosed difficulty.
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