Penn State enters Week 2 of training camp with a firm grasp of its early strengths and weaknesses. The Nittany Lions put on pads for the first time this week and got into 11-on-11 drills , which allowed some early standouts to emerge.
A combination of transfers and returning players have taken the early reins for the Nittany Lions, who open the 2026 season Sept. 5 against Marshall at Beaver Stadium. If they continue progressing, these are some of the players who will emerge on opening day.
Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Brett Eskildsen participates at football media day in Holuba Hall. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The Iowa State transfer became the first Penn State receiver to make Bruce Feldman's college football "Freaks List" based on his exceptional speed. But Eskildsen also has made some eye-catching receptions downfield in practice, adding an immediate deep threat to an offense that lacked one last season.
Eskildsen isn't a newcomer; he made a bunch of big catches for the Cyclones last season. But he has opened up his game early in camp, demonstrating an ability to outrun coverage and complete catches.
"He has strong hands and has the ability to accelerate down the field vertically," Campbell said. "He can do a lot of different things and can be a great special teams player as well."
Ezeogu, wearing No. 1 now, first stands out for his size; he's 6-5, 275. But then he stands out for the way he can move at that size.
"He can touch the ground and come back up without putting his face in the ground," defensive line coach Ikaika Malloe said. "... He's just built a little bit different."
Ezeogu played several spots on Iowa State's defensive line last year and, though he'll start at edge rusher, he's also going to move around for the Nittany Lions. Defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn is coming up with multiple creative ways to deploy Ezeogu.
"He's a guy that can play from zero technique [lined directly over center] all the way to the outside edge," Malloe said. "And if we can get him in the position that we think we can, then hopefully we can expose other people."
After missing spring practice with what Campbell called a medical condition, Manske has returned looking fitter and better than ever. He threw some exceptional passes in Penn State's first open practice and has assumed the QB2 role, which the Nittany Lions needed from him .
"You feel good when the ball's in his hands," offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said. "You always feel like that guy's going to find a way to make a play."
Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Andrew Rappleyea greets a young fan during an autograph session at the 23rd annual Lift for Life at Holuba Hall. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Rappleyea also missed spring drills but has returned with a full-throated confidence in his skill set. Penn State's coaches had to corral Rappleyea's energy during the early part of practice when players weren't wearing pads yet. Now, they're ready to unleash him.
"He's been one of the people who have stood out to me," said Mouser, who also coaches Penn State's tight ends. "... He's so twitchy, he's so athletic, he's so physical, he's so willing. He's gonna catch so many passes for us here. He's gonna block so many great runs here for us. He's so versatile in what he can do."
Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Max Granville arrives for football media day in Holuba Hall. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Penn State needs its defensive ends to emerge quickly, and Granville has taken a lightning-speed step. He missed last season with a torn ACL and missed spring drills because of a back injury but made huge strides during the first week of camp.
With Granville, sophomore Yvan Kemajou and former Iowa State linebacker Caleb Bacon generating positive grades through training camp, the defensive end position looks to be in a much better place.
"He can do things that other other people right now on our team cannot from every position," Malloe said of Granville. "He has strength, he has speed, he has quickness. His athletic ability for sure ... we have to use that in terms of what he can do."
Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Garrett Sexton warms up before the Fiesta Bowl against the Boise State Broncos. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
Redshirt freshman Malachi Goodman still is the frontrunner at left tackle but is getting competition. Garrett Sexton gained 20 pounds during the offseason (he's now 6-6, 315) and is pushing Goodman at the position.
In fact, Campbell said that Sexton and redshirt freshman Owen Aliciene might press that competition into the first few weeks of the season.
"You talk about where he was at the beginning of the summer to where he finished at the end of the summer," Campbell said of Sexton. "He put on a good really 20 pounds physically and looks as good as I've ever seen him."
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/pennstate as Six Early Standouts From Penn State Football Training Camp .
