This is one in a series of stories breaking down each player on Penn State football’s 2026 roster.
Malachi Goodman is still early in his Penn State career.
But physically, he already looks the part.
Goodman, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman from Bloomfield, N.J., enters the 2026 season listed at 6-foot-6, 330 pounds. That size alone makes him one of the more intriguing developmental pieces in Penn State’s offensive line room.
Goodman redshirted during the 2025 season, which was not surprising considering his age and developmental timeline. He was still only 18 during early camp and spoke honestly about needing to continue growing as a player and person.
“I’m working every day,” Goodman said. “I’m trying to get better every day, like 1% better every day.” Â
That is the right approach for a young lineman who has the frame but is still adjusting to the speed of college football.
Goodman said one of the biggest transitions from high school to Penn State was how fast everything happens. He felt he picked up the playbook well, but the next step was playing faster, processing faster and going full speed once the ball is snapped. Â
He has been working primarily at left tackle, while also getting some work at right tackle. Goodman said he likes playing tackle in general, and left tackle appears to be where Penn State has focused much of his early development. Â
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.The size is obvious. Goodman said his weight climbed to around 331 pounds and that adding it was “fairly easy,” though he emphasized the key is still being able to move well at that size. Â
Before Penn State: Goodman played at Paramus Catholic High School. He was a four-year letterman and team captain as a senior. He was named first-team United Red All-Offense twice and was invited to the Navy All-American Bowl.
Goodman was a consensus four-star prospect, ranked as a top-50 overall recruit by On3 and ESPN. On3 rated him as the No. 46 overall prospect, No. 8 offensive tackle and No. 2 player in New Jersey. ESPN ranked him No. 26 overall and No. 4 among interior offensive linemen.
Where he stands: Goodman is likely still developing, but Penn State has plenty to work with.
He has the size, recruiting pedigree and tackle profile. Now, the task is turning those traits into consistency.
Campbell appeared as a guest with Jeff “Ironhead” Byers and said one of the best battles in camp will be Drew Shelton’s successor at left tackle. While Campbell did not mention any names, you have to figure Goodman and fellow redshirt freshman Owen Aliciene will be fighting to protect quarterback Rocco Becht’s blind spot.
