Home > Fiba Eurocup Final > Penn State Football Roster Breakdown: Key Players and Positions for the Upcoming Season
Penn State Football Roster Breakdown: Key Players and Positions for the Upcoming Season
2025-11-11 14:01
As I sit down to analyze Penn State's football roster for the upcoming season, I can't help but reflect on that powerful statement from last year's post-game press conference: "Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy." That sentiment perfectly captures what I believe will define this team's journey - the battle isn't just against opponents on the field, but against the internal challenges that can make or break a championship campaign. Having followed Penn State football for over fifteen years and written extensively about their program development, I've seen how this internal struggle manifests across different squads, and this year's roster presents both familiar challenges and exciting new possibilities.
Looking at the offensive side, I'm particularly excited about the quarterback situation. Drew Allar, entering his second year as starter, represents what I consider the program's most promising signal-caller since Trace McSorley. Standing at 6-foot-5 with that cannon arm, he completed 68.3% of his passes last season while throwing 18 touchdowns against just 4 interceptions in his first year starting. Those numbers don't lie - the kid has special written all over him. But here's where that "we are our own worst enemy" concept comes into play - his development in reading complex coverages and making quicker decisions under pressure will determine whether this offense takes the leap from good to elite. I've watched every snap of his college career, and while the physical tools are undeniable, the mental progression between year one and year two as starter is where championships are won or lost.
The running back room might be the deepest position group on the team, and I'm not just saying that. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen form what I believe is the best one-two punch in the Big Ten, combining for over 1,700 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Singleton's breakaway speed is something special - I've timed him at sub-4.4 in the 40 during spring practices - while Allen's bruising style between the tackles wears defenses down. But again, that internal battle emerges - ball security issues plagued them at critical moments last season, with 8 combined fumbles that directly cost us at least two games. If they can fix that? Watch out.
At receiver, I'm cautiously optimistic but concerned about the lack of proven depth beyond KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who caught 53 passes for 786 yards last season. The transfer portal brought in some interesting pieces, but until I see consistent separation against press coverage in big games, I'm keeping my expectations measured. This is where that humanizing element comes into play - young players making mistakes as they develop, but growing through those experiences. Harrison Wallace III showed flashes last year before injuries derailed his season, and if he stays healthy, I think he could be the surprise breakout player that elevates this entire receiving corps.
Defensively, I'm absolutely thrilled about the front seven. Abdul Carter moving from linebacker to defensive end is the most intriguing positional switch I've seen in this program in years. At 6-foot-3, 250 pounds with that explosive first step, he recorded 9.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks last season while playing out of position. Now at his natural edge spot? I'm predicting double-digit sacks if he stays healthy. The linebacker corps, led by Kobe King and Tyler Elsdon, brings experience and physicality that should rank among the conference's best. What worries me though is the secondary, where we lost three starters to the NFL. That's where the "we are our own worst enemy" dynamic could really hurt us - young defensive backs making mental errors that turn into big plays for opponents.
Special teams often gets overlooked, but having watched every game last season, I can tell you it cost us dearly in close contests. The placekicking situation was inconsistent at best, with Alex Felkins connecting on just 76% of his field goals and missing two potential game-winners. Punter Riley Thompson averaged 42.8 yards per punt, which ranked middle of the pack in the Big Ten. These might seem like small details, but in games decided by three points or less, which we had four of last season, these specialists can be the difference between a successful season and a disappointing one.
What really stands out to me about this roster construction is how it reflects the program's philosophical evolution under James Franklin. We're seeing more athleticism across the board, particularly in the defensive front seven, but also maintaining that traditional physical identity that has defined Penn State football for decades. The coaching staff has done an excellent job developing depth at most positions, though I do worry about what happens if we suffer multiple injuries at offensive tackle or cornerback.
As we approach the season opener, I keep coming back to that idea of being our own biggest opponent. The talent is certainly there - I'd estimate about 85% of the starting lineup consists of four-star recruits or higher. The physical tools are undeniable. But football, especially at this level, is as much about mental toughness and execution as it is about athleticism. The dropped passes in crucial moments, the untimely penalties, the coverage breakdowns - these are the internal demons that have haunted this program in big games. If this team can conquer those self-inflicted wounds, the ceiling is incredibly high. I'm predicting at least 10 wins in the regular season, with a legitimate shot at the College Football Playoff if the breaks go our way. The pieces are there - now it's about putting them together consistently and winning the battle against themselves each week.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
