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In a year of transition for the Nittany Lions, it is expected that one of two things could occur: a new transfer laden team would take them back to the top of the Big Ten conversation, or because of the lack of chemistry, they would flounder in their first full season together. Still, no matter how Penn State's season shakes out, they have a bevy of players looking to shine on a bigger scale. Whether they be returners who simply did not get a chance to play that much last season, or if they are new to the program, they have a chance to prove themselves no matter what. Here are the top five candidate for a breakout year for the Blue and White.
Jahmir Joseph may have been overlooked in his redshirt freshman season last year, but in a new look secondary, he has a chance to emerge as the next big thing in the defensive backfield. In just 5 appearances last season, he logged 2 interceptions, including a 49 yard pick six. He also tallied 8 pass breakups and 23 total tackles, highly impressive in a loaded secondary. Again, Joseph may find his name low on the depth chart, but he could still have some highlight reel moments in the time that he gets.
In a year in which the Nittany Lions lost a lot of edge rushing talent, it will be upon the oft-injured Max Granville to step up his production. While he did show some flashes of what he could become in his true freshman season, he still has a ton of injury concerns to overcome, as 2025 was a medical redshirt year for him. Still, if the offseason has proven anything, it is that Granville is ready for war with the Nittany Lions as the new leader of an intriguing edge group.
The first transfer on this list, Eskildsen is in a weird place on both the depth chart and his career. As one of the premier wide receivers last year for the Cyclones, he still only had 32 receptions for just over 500 yards. Still, his impressive yards per receptions totals show that he can be a deep threat on the boundary for fellow Iowa State transfer, as well as someone who can develop in a more competitive conference with the right coaching. While an injury has sidelined him for much of spring practices, expect him to look fresh once the season begins.
Martin is set to receive a much bigger workload this season as the potential RB1 in this offense. Even if Iowa State transfer Carson Hansen earns the role, Martin is sure to earn snaps after receiving a ton of praise from the coaching staff during practices. If his bowl game performance is anything to go by, Martin has all the intangibles to be the next Kaytron Allen or Nick Singleton in this offense. His 103 yards on 20 carries showcased his elite abilities to attack the line of scrimmage and get out into the open field. The sky's the limit for Martin.
By simply returning to Happy Valley, Koby Howard has been rewarded for sticking with the team. He has been perhaps the most talked about player for the Nittany Lions this season. His rapport with Rocco Becht during Blue-White practice caught everybody's attention and called into question whether or not Chase Sowell's status of WR1 could be called into jeopardy. Still, this sophomore wideout has a lot of work to do to get to that point. He's already proving he's up for the task however, with his breakout spring practice.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: 5 Penn State football players to watch this season
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5. Jahmir Joseph, Cornerback
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Jahmir Joseph may have been overlooked in his redshirt freshman season last year, but in a new look secondary, he has a chance to emerge as the next big thing in the defensive backfield. In just 5 appearances last season, he logged 2 interceptions, including a 49 yard pick six. He also tallied 8 pass breakups and 23 total tackles, highly impressive in a loaded secondary. Again, Joseph may find his name low on the depth chart, but he could still have some highlight reel moments in the time that he gets.
4. Max Granville, Defensive End
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In a year in which the Nittany Lions lost a lot of edge rushing talent, it will be upon the oft-injured Max Granville to step up his production. While he did show some flashes of what he could become in his true freshman season, he still has a ton of injury concerns to overcome, as 2025 was a medical redshirt year for him. Still, if the offseason has proven anything, it is that Granville is ready for war with the Nittany Lions as the new leader of an intriguing edge group.
3. Brett Eskildsen, Wide Receiver
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The first transfer on this list, Eskildsen is in a weird place on both the depth chart and his career. As one of the premier wide receivers last year for the Cyclones, he still only had 32 receptions for just over 500 yards. Still, his impressive yards per receptions totals show that he can be a deep threat on the boundary for fellow Iowa State transfer, as well as someone who can develop in a more competitive conference with the right coaching. While an injury has sidelined him for much of spring practices, expect him to look fresh once the season begins.
2. Quinton Martin Jr., Running Back
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Martin is set to receive a much bigger workload this season as the potential RB1 in this offense. Even if Iowa State transfer Carson Hansen earns the role, Martin is sure to earn snaps after receiving a ton of praise from the coaching staff during practices. If his bowl game performance is anything to go by, Martin has all the intangibles to be the next Kaytron Allen or Nick Singleton in this offense. His 103 yards on 20 carries showcased his elite abilities to attack the line of scrimmage and get out into the open field. The sky's the limit for Martin.
1. Koby Howard, Wide Receiver
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By simply returning to Happy Valley, Koby Howard has been rewarded for sticking with the team. He has been perhaps the most talked about player for the Nittany Lions this season. His rapport with Rocco Becht during Blue-White practice caught everybody's attention and called into question whether or not Chase Sowell's status of WR1 could be called into jeopardy. Still, this sophomore wideout has a lot of work to do to get to that point. He's already proving he's up for the task however, with his breakout spring practice.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: 5 Penn State football players to watch this season
Continue reading...
