This is one in a series of stories breaking down each player on Penn State football’s 2026 roster.
Ty Blanding’s statistical production has been modest through three seasons at Penn State, but the defensive tackle possesses physical tools that make him difficult to overlook.
Blanding has steadily expanded his role and appeared in every game last season. Now entering his fourth year in the program, he’ll attempt to turn his strength, athleticism and experience into a larger role along Penn State’s defensive front.
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 301 pounds
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
High School: Christ the King
Eligibility: Redshirt junior
Before Penn State: Blanding played at Christ the King High School, where he served as a two-year captain and earned team MVP honors twice.
As a senior, Blanding recorded 46 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles and 17 quarterback hurries. He previously collected 50 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, a forced fumble and a blocked kick during his junior season.
The consensus three-star prospect was regarded as one of New York’s best players. ESPN ranked Blanding as the state’s top prospect and the No. 34 defensive tackle nationally.
Penn State
2023: Blanding preserved his redshirt after appearing in one game during his true freshman season.
2024: His role grew as a redshirt freshman. Blanding appeared in six games and finished with three tackles and one tackle for loss.
He recorded the tackle for loss against Kent State before adding two tackles against Maryland.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.2025: Blanding took another step forward, appearing in all 13 games and recording nine tackles, including six solo stops, and two tackles for loss.
He produced two solo tackles at Ohio State and closed the year with two tackles against Clemson, including a solo tackle for loss.
Blanding played 228 defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, and received a 61.7 overall defensive grade. His best mark came as a tackler, where he earned a 63.0 grade.
A Penn State ‘Freak’
Blanding’s value cannot be measured solely by his statistics.
Bruce Feldman included him as an “honorable mention” on the 2025 edition of his annual “Freaks List,” highlighting the unusual athletic ability Blanding carries at his size.
Then listed at 6-foot-1 and 292 pounds, Blanding reportedly ran the 40-yard dash in 4.82 seconds and produced a 675-pound squat.
Where He Stands
Penn State has gradually increased Blanding’s workload, from one appearance in 2023 to 53 snaps in 2024 and 228 last season.
The next step is converting those opportunities into more consistent disruption.
Blanding has the power and movement skills to become a useful rotational presence. With three seasons of development behind him, 2026 represents his opportunity to establish himself as more than an intriguing athlete.
