This is part of a series of 2026 Penn State football position previews.
As the likely strength of Penn State’s offense, the tight ends are expected to play a crucial role in the team’s success — or lack thereof — in 2026.
The Nittany Lions boast a wealth of riches in the room, and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, also the tight ends coach, frequently employs 12- and 13-personnel looks, creating plenty of opportunities for contributions from the group.
Penn State has sent four tight ends to the NFL since 2021, and that trend is likely to continue despite staff and roster changes this offseason. Here’s how the room shakes out.
Ben Brahmer
There are three tight ends capable of landing the starting role, but Brahmer seemingly has a leg up entering the fall. The Iowa State transfer totaled 37 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns last season and may be quarterback Rocco Becht’s favorite target this year.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and 255 pounds, Brahmer is tied for the tallest player on the roster and consistently used that length to haul in contested catches with the Cyclones. His size and reliability make him a premier red zone target, which the Nittany Lions lacked last season.
His continuity in Mouser’s offense and chemistry with Becht paired with improved blocking this season would result in another Nittany Lion tight end headed to the pros.
Andrew Rappleyea
Rappleyea is no stranger to sharing snaps — last season, he split touches with Khalil Dinkins and Luke Reynolds, but he pulled away from the pack down the stretch.
This year, he’ll once again battle for field time, looking to build off last year’s ascension when totaled 20 catches, 180 yards and three touchdowns.
Regardless of who officially starts, Rappleyea should see plenty of reps and increase his role in the offense as a redshirt junior. If all goes well, he could also hear his name called on draft night.
Gabe Burkle
Another veteran Iowa State transfer, Burkle will also battle for a chunk of playing time this fall after fully recovering from an injury that cut the previous season short.
Head coach Matt Campbell said in February Burkle would be viewed as a top-10 tight end nationally if it weren’t for that injury, setting high expectations for this season.
In his three campaigns as a Cyclone, Burkle gathered 54 receptions, 607 yards and a pair of scores, modest numbers to pair with solid blocking ability.
Depth
Though those three should eat up most of the pie, redshirt sophomore Cooper Alexander, an Iowa State transfer, and returner Finn Furmanek could make an impact, potentially on special teams.
