This is one in a series of stories breaking down each of the players on Penn State Football’s 2026 roster.
Redshirt freshman kicker Matthew Parker possesses a booming leg, nailing a school record 57-yard field goal during his senior year of high school. He even made it on the field during his true freshman season, converting an extra point try during Penn State’s blowout win over Nevada.
While Parker boasts both raw power and consistency — he didn’t miss any of his 46 point after tries as a senior — he’s rostered behind redshirt junior Ryan Barker, the most consistent kicker in Nittany Lions’ history… but Barker’s career long sits at 49 yards, so Parker might get the nod on longer tries.Â
If Parker sticks around with Penn State through the last two seasons of what looks like a storied career for Barker, he could take over as their kicker of the future in 2028.
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 224 pounds
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Hometown: York, Pa.
High School Career: Parker earned First-Team All-State honors in Pennsylvania’s competitive Class-6A as both a junior and a senior, nailing a 57-yard kick and converting all his extra point attempts during his final season.
PENN STATE
Where he stands: Parker appeared in one game for the Nittany Lions during his first season, converting a fourth quarter PAT with a 40-point lead.
