This is one in a series of stories breaking down each of the players on Penn State Football’s 2026 roster.
Lyrick Samuel could’ve left Happy Valley after his freshman season. He had offers from Michigan State, Rutgers and Syracuse in high school, a four-star recruit (per ESPN) with a deadly combination of size and speed.
Samuel stayed on through Penn State’s coaching change, however, and after a true redshirt year — he didn’t appear in any games in 2025 — he could start to make his way on the field this season. The Nittany Lions have a full room at wide receiver, occupying 12 of the open spots on their roster. It’s a point of emphasis after years of purgatory at the position.
They also have a quartet of receivers who followed head coach Matt Campbell and quarterback Rocco Becht from Iowa State, so Samuel will need to work hard to stand out as his second season at Penn State begins. But with a 6-foot-4 frame and the ability to run a 4.5 second 40-yard dash in high school, he has the tools to put himself on the map.
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 183 pounds
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High School Career: Samuel earned a four-star rating from ESPN as a high schooler; most of the other recruiting services rated him as a three-star. He hauled in 27 passes for 693 yards and 11 touchdowns during his junior year.
PENN STATE
Where he stands: Samuel didn’t make it on the field as a true freshman. While the physical traits are there, namely his speed and size, he could likely use some seasoning as he learns how to defeat Power Four defensive backs on a routine basis, using those traits to his advantage.
Campbell imported most of his wide receiver room from Iowa State, leaving a logjam at the position heading into 2026, so this year will likely serve as another opportunity for Samuel to develop — perhaps carving out a reserve role. Once the position group clears up in 2027, Samuel could turn into a mainstay.
