This is one in a series of stories breaking down each of the players on Penn State football’s 2026 roster.
Max Granville’s first two years at Penn State have brought flashes, patience and a setback.
Granville arrived as one of Penn State’s more intriguing young defensive prospects in the 2024 class. A consensus four-star recruit out of Fort Bend Christian Academy in Texas, Granville had the athletic profile, production and pedigree to suggest he could eventually become a factor in Penn State’s defensive front.
He appeared in seven games during his true freshman season in 2024 while preserving his redshirt. His first notable moment came against Kent State, when he broke up a pass on a quarterback hit. He later recorded a solo tackle against Maryland.
But Granville’s 2025 season never got started. He missed the year because of injury, delaying his chance to build on the early experience he gained as a freshman.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Before Penn State: Granville played for head coach Jordan Black at Fort Bend Christian Academy, where he was a three-year letterman and team captain in 2023. He helped lead the Eagles to a TAPPS II State Championship in 2022 and earned first-team All-State honors in both 2022 and 2023.
His production was strong. Granville had 20.5 sacks in 2022, including six strip-sacks, and followed that with 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and five pass breakups in 2023. He also contributed offensively, catching 21 passes for 609 yards and six touchdowns as a senior.
Granville also played basketball and competed in track and field.
Where he stands: Granville enters 2026 looking to get healthy and reestablish himself after missing the 2025 season. His upside remains notable, especially because of his pass-rushing background and overall athleticism.
