Story by
Penn State Top 25 players for 2026: Marcus Neal Jr.
- Story by
- Penn State Top 25 players for 2026: Marcus Neal Jr.
Penn State's 2026 season will feature a completely overhauled roster following an offseason of significant transition. A coaching change led to a flurry of activity in the transfer portal, which led to a number of new faces on the program. We have taken some time to profile each player on the roster this season, but now it is time to dig a little deeper on the 25 players who will play the largest roles on the roster.
Today we take a look at one of the biggest additions to the defensive side of the football. Safety Marcus Neal Jr. transferred to Penn State from Iowa State in a wave of transfers following Matt Campbell to Happy Valley. Here's a closer look at Neal entering the 2026 season.
Advertisement
2025 in review
Marcus Neal Jr. played in all 12 games for Iowa State last season and earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week following Iowa State's season-opening victory over Kansas State in Ireland. Neal recorded 77 total tackles, with 40 of them being solo takedowns. Neal recorded 11 tackles for loss and two interceptions. He also forced one fumble.
Biggest question for 2026
When it comes to Marcus Neal Jr. and his new role with Penn State, there is not too much that needs to be asked. Perhaps the only question to ask is if he will be worthy of All-Big Ten accolades at the end of the season. Given his track record coming from Iowa State, Neal Jr. appeared to be on the rise as one of the top safeties in the Big 12. Can he thrive against some of the offenses he will be facing in the Big Ten as Penn State puts together a new defensive look under defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn? In a defense that will feature a variety of options in the defensive backfield, Neal Jr. will be expected to be a major contributor.
Advertisement
2026 will be a success if...
For the 2026 season to be termed successful for Marcus Neal Jr., the safety will have to prove why he is heralded as such an important transfer from Iowa State. Not getting caught chasing against key opponents will be essential, as will taking advantage of opportunities to do some damage behind the line of scrimmage. Putting together an All-Big Ten worthy season will be a major success for Neal.
2026 will be a disappointment if...
As will be the case with most players on this roster, a slow start without having a significant impact as the defense comes together under a new system will make for a disappointing season for Marcus Neal Jr. Penn State is putting a new scheme in place under new defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, and it will rely heavily on the play of the secondary as a whole. It is a defense that may not be legitimately tested until facing Michigan and USC in back-to-back games in October.
Advertisement
Realistic outlook for 2026
There is far more positive to say about Marcus Neal Jr. going into the 2026 season than negative, and that should lead to a solid season as a top safety on the roster. Neal will be a full-time starter for the Nittany Lions and will provide veteran leadership for the defense. He should be in line for 60-70 tackles (he had 77 at Iowa State in 2025) and a handful of pass breakups. He had two interceptions last season, so it would be nice to see a turnover or two this fall.
Penn State Top 25 Players in 2026
Kevin McGuire is the lead writer for Nittany Lions Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on BlueSky , Threads or any of these other platforms .
Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook .
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State Top 25 players for 2026: Marcus Neal Jr.
