Penn State’s NFL pipeline continues to earn national recognition.
The Nittany Lions placed nine players on the 2026 Senior Bowl Top 300 watch list, a preseason evaluation of the top NFL Draft prospects eligible for the Senior Bowl. The group spans both sides of the ball and highlights the overall talent Matt Campbell inherited heading into the 2026 season.
Leading the way offensively are quarterback Rocco Becht, running back Carson Hansen, offensive tackle Anthony Donkoh, and tight end Benjamin Brahmer. Becht enters the season as one of the Big Ten’s most experienced signal callers after transferring from Iowa State, while Hansen is expected to anchor Penn State’s rushing attack. Donkoh has already established himself as one of the conference’s premier offensive linemen, and Brahmer gives the Nittany Lions another proven receiving threat at tight end after following Campbell from Iowa State.
Penn State’s defense is equally well represented. EDGE Ikenna Ezeogu, linebacker Tony Rojas, safety Jeremiah Cooper, cornerback Audavion Collins, and defensive lineman Siale Taupaki all earned spots on the list. The group showcases the depth and versatility of a defense expected to be among the Big Ten’s best this fall.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Rojas enters the season as one of the conference’s most recognizable defenders after emerging as a leader in the middle of Penn State’s defense, while Cooper and Collins headline an experienced secondary. Ezeogu and Taupaki give the Nittany Lions intriguing prospects in the trenches as NFL scouts continue evaluating their upside.
The Senior Bowl Top 300 is not a final ranking but rather an early watch list identifying players expected to draw significant NFL attention throughout the season. Strong performances during the fall can lead to invitations to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, one of the premier pre-draft showcases for NFL prospects.
No. 17 (Coaches) / No. 18 (AP) Penn State will open the Matt Campbell era on September 5 against Marshall at 3:30 PM (Eastern) from Beaver Stadium.
