Observations, depth chart projections & more: Takeaways from Penn State’s spring ball

Penn State wrapped up its first spring practice under new head coach Matt Campbell in April, with new coordinators reshaping both sides of the ball. The Nittany Lions open the 2026 season Sept. 5 at home against Marshall.

Below is a look at everything you need to know from spring ball, from the first practices to Blue-White weekend:

• Quarterback Rocco Becht is the starting quarterback by a wide margin, with redshirt freshman Alex Manske as the projected backup pending recovery from an offseason medical procedure, based on the projected offensive depth chart.
• The defense, led by new coordinator D’Anton Lynn, will rotate heavily along the defensive line, with Yvan Kemajou expected to play a major role as a true edge rusher, according to the projected defensive depth chart.
• Becht, who had offseason labrum surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, said he used spring ball to build chemistry in the film room and grow as a leader, explaining his spring development after the Blue-White Practice.
• The defensive tackle group looks dramatically larger and stronger than last season, with Armstrong Nnodim and Siale Taupaki standing out as elite strength players who should free up linebackers, based on observations from Blue-White Practice.
• The secondary is shaping up as a strength, with cornerback Daryus Dixson positioned as an all-conference caliber player and Big 12 transfer Marcus Neal Jr. expected to start at safety, in a review of Penn State’s first spring under Campbell.
• Linebacker Tony Rojas, recovering from a torn ACL, is projected to start alongside Caleb Bacon, with Lynn expected to use multiple fronts that shift linebacker usage throughout games.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.