This is part of a series of 2026 Penn State football position previews.
• Special Teams
• Defensive Line
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks
• Safeties
After an offseason of massive structural shifts, Penn State’s offensive line enters the fall tasked with mastering a completely redesigned system under head coach Matt Campbell and offensive line coach Ryan Clanton.
For a unit that serves as the backbone of the entire offense, the upcoming campaign isn’t just about replacing departing production, it’s about reshaping their identity to match the “dog” mentality fostered by Clanton. His philosophy leans heavily into maximizing raw frame and functional power, moving toward a bruising, downhill blocking identity. How quickly this front five can fully gel before the Sept. 5 opener will dictate the ceiling of the Nittany Lions’ offense.
Here’s how the room is taking shape heading into the fall.
Malachi Goodman
The projected starter at left tackle, Goodman is a former five-star prospect by 247Sports and was the highest-ranked recruit in Penn State’s 2025 class.
He possesses arguably the highest physical ceiling in the room given his 6-foot-6, 330-pound frame and elite athleticism. However, with no playing time under his belt, it’s unclear how close he is to realizing that potential.
Campbell has praised Goodman effusively, raising questions as to why he saw exactly zero snaps on offense or special teams last season.
Trevor Buhr
Shoring up the blindside next to Goodman, Buhr is expected to step into the starting lineup at the left guard position.
He provides crucial stability on the interior with over 1,000 snaps at the position across the last two seasons starting at Iowa State.
Buhr is listed at 6-foot-4 and 318 pounds and is coming off an All-Big 12 honorable mention last season.
Brock Riker
Texas State transfer Brock Riker is expected to beat out returner Dom Rulli for the starting center role despite Rulli’s strong Pinstripe Bowl performance against Clemson.
Riker arrives with a full season of starting experience, allowing no sacks on 438 pass-blocking reps for the Bobcats in 2025.
He was named a second-team Freshman All-American by The Athletic and had an above-average run-blocking grade by PFF, making him a potential hidden gem in Penn State’s transfer haul.
Cooper Cousins
A major retention win for the staff, Cousins is a highly physical, versatile piece who can line up anywhere on the interior but is slated to start at right guard.
The former top-100 recruit has garnered buzz since stepping foot on campus, but a lingering injury prevented him from seeing more time last season as a true sophomore.
Cousins gained crucial momentum after starting in the Pinstripe Bowl, earning a 69.7 game grade from PFF. Playing with a low center of gravity and excellent leverage, Cousins brings a violent finisher mentality to the right side of the front.
Anthony Donkoh
The lone returning starter from last year’s squad, Donkoh brings much-needed continuity to the room after opting to forgo the NFL draft.
Though he’s cross-trained extensively at guard, the coaching staff needs his elite anchor out at right tackle.
Entering his third season as a starter, the redshirt junior is looking to bounce back from an inconsistent stretch late last year and reestablish his ceiling as a premier edge protector in the conference.
With just one sack allowed across 615 career pass blocking snaps, Donkoh has all-conference potential entering the season.
Depth
Maintaining a reliable two-deep may prove crucial against the physical attrition of a full Big Ten slate. While the starting unit works to build chemistry, the second team features intriguing upside.
Assuming Riker locks down the starting center job, Rulli will serve as a capable backup and likely special teams contributor. Meanwhile, transfers Vaea Ikakoula and Will Tompkins provide depth along the interior, and returners Garrett Sexton and Owen Aliciene will serve as swing tackles.
