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One of the bright spots of Penn State’s brand new roster is that there’s an opportunity for players to step up who were cast in the shadows last season. Some players on the team had their 2025 season cut short by injuries, while others have simply looked so good during the spring and summer that they’re expected to take a leap this year.
There are other schools out there with more high-profile players than the Nittany Lions, but the guys flying under the radar here have a chance to make a name for themselves. Let’s take a look at the three players on the team who could become stars this season.
Penn State landed a commitment from Max Granville in 2024 as a four-star recruit from Texas. He played sparingly in his true freshman season but was expected to be a big contributor before an injury knocked him out for the entirety of 2025. Now, he’s in incredible shape and seems poised to become the next impactful pass rusher to emerge from Happy Valley.
Granville is a freak athlete who also played basketball and track while in high school, highlighting his versatility despite his massive size. James Franklin and his staff were already expecting a breakout season in 2025, so now with a chip on his shoulder, the promising edge rusher could become a household name in just a few months.
Tony Rojas is already one of the best players the Nittany Lions have, but he has a chance to develop into a bonafide star this year. He looked well on his way last year, accumulating 25 tackles, 4.5 of which were for a loss, and two sacks in just four games. If he continues to impact the game in all facets of defense then he could become one of the most valuable defenders in college football.
Entering his fourth year with the team, Rojas will be one of the leaders on the defense and try to put everything together. He’s currently tracking as a Day 2 selection, but building off his promising 2025 might just help him become a first-round pick.
Perhaps the most surprising addition on this list, Zion Tracy arguably has the most potential of anyone on the team. He has never been the best player on the roster, but he is a versatile piece who can be moved all over the field and play multiple positions.
The coaching staff has been raving about him all offseason, with head coach Matt Campbell calling him “one of the best football players maybe I have coached.” Tracy has never proved that he could be the type of player Campbell projects him as, but no coach would place those expectations on a player without good reason. If Penn State’s new head man is right about Tracy’s talent, then he could explode onto the national scene in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: 3 Penn State players who could breakout in 2026
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There are other schools out there with more high-profile players than the Nittany Lions, but the guys flying under the radar here have a chance to make a name for themselves. Let’s take a look at the three players on the team who could become stars this season.
Max Granville
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Penn State landed a commitment from Max Granville in 2024 as a four-star recruit from Texas. He played sparingly in his true freshman season but was expected to be a big contributor before an injury knocked him out for the entirety of 2025. Now, he’s in incredible shape and seems poised to become the next impactful pass rusher to emerge from Happy Valley.
Granville is a freak athlete who also played basketball and track while in high school, highlighting his versatility despite his massive size. James Franklin and his staff were already expecting a breakout season in 2025, so now with a chip on his shoulder, the promising edge rusher could become a household name in just a few months.
Tony Rojas
You must be registered for see images attach
Tony Rojas is already one of the best players the Nittany Lions have, but he has a chance to develop into a bonafide star this year. He looked well on his way last year, accumulating 25 tackles, 4.5 of which were for a loss, and two sacks in just four games. If he continues to impact the game in all facets of defense then he could become one of the most valuable defenders in college football.
Entering his fourth year with the team, Rojas will be one of the leaders on the defense and try to put everything together. He’s currently tracking as a Day 2 selection, but building off his promising 2025 might just help him become a first-round pick.
Zion Tracy
You must be registered for see images attach
Perhaps the most surprising addition on this list, Zion Tracy arguably has the most potential of anyone on the team. He has never been the best player on the roster, but he is a versatile piece who can be moved all over the field and play multiple positions.
The coaching staff has been raving about him all offseason, with head coach Matt Campbell calling him “one of the best football players maybe I have coached.” Tracy has never proved that he could be the type of player Campbell projects him as, but no coach would place those expectations on a player without good reason. If Penn State’s new head man is right about Tracy’s talent, then he could explode onto the national scene in 2026.
FollowNittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.
If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: 3 Penn State players who could breakout in 2026
Continue reading...
