This is one in a series of stories breaking down each of the players on Penn State Football’s 2026 roster.
Andrew Dufault is one of two long snappers listed on Penn State’s 2026 roster: the other is redshirt senior Blaise Sokach-Minnick. Both Dufault and Sokach-Minnick appeared in two games in 2025, serving in a reserve role behind former No. 1 Tyler Duzansky. Sokach-Minnick likely has the inside track to start as a redshirt senior, but expect an open competition as new head coach Matt Campbell figures out who will help him field the best special teams unit this season.
Beyond their titular duty snapping the ball on punt and field goal tries, the best long snappers can also rush downfield in punt coverage and impede their opponents’ ability to pick up chunk yardage on the ensuing return. Dufault is nearly 35 pounds heavier than Sokach-Minnick, so he might not be able to make it downfield as fast… but he’ll certainly be able to shed blocks or lay the lumber if a ball-carrier comes his way.
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 249 pounds
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Hometown: Westwood, Mass.
High School Career: Dufault excelled on the offensive line at one of Massachusetts’ best private schools. He also participated in track and field, qualifying for states in shot put.
PENN STATE
Where he stands: Expect Dufault to serve as a backup once again in 2026. Barring injury, the Nittany Lions should only need one long snapper, but they could give Dufault a chance to prove himself in low pressure situations.
