The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, with Penn State producing eight picks, plus several undrafted free agents and minicamp invitees.
In order to replicate that success, the Nittany Lions will need strong performances from their veteran group this fall, which features plenty of intriguing prospects with pro potential. Head coach Matt Campbell and Co. have a proven track record of development, consistently sending players to the league throughout the last decade in Ames.
Here’s a prediction of players who could hear their name called next spring.
Round 1: Safety Marcus Neal Jr.
Arguably the most talented player on Penn State’s roster, Neal likely would’ve been drafted already had he been eligible.
He stepped into a starting role last season as a true sophomore at Iowa State and racked up 77 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a sack. The tape shows a versatile and rangy safety who has the size and physicality to plug gaps effectively.
He’s a sound tackler in the open field and a proven play-maker, lining up primarily in the box with some experience in the slot. Barring a major stepback or injury, Neal should come off the board fairly early.
Round 2: Offensive Lineman Anthony Donkoh
Donkoh was viewed as a surefire draft pick but instead opted to return for his redshirt junior season at Penn State with a chance to improve his stock.
He has starting experience at both right guard and right tackle and has excelled at both. After moving inside to guard last season, he allowed just one sack on 330 dropbacks.
If he can stay healthy — which has been his biggest issue — Donkoh will be one of the top offensive linemen in the draft.
Round 3: Linebacker Tony Rojas
If it weren’t for a season-ending injury sustained during practice last season, Rojas would likely be attending rookie minicamp right now. Instead, he’s heading into his senior season as one of the top linebackers in the conference.
Rojas earned buzz as a true freshman, totaling 21 tackles and two takeaways while playing in a reserve role. His 2024 campaign — which included playing through injury — wasn’t particularly impressive, but he bounced back last fall.
Through just four games, Rojas totaled 25 tackles and two sacks, looking like a key defensive player before tearing his ACL. Penn State’s defense was noticeably worse without him.
The former four-star recruit drew interest from top programs this offseason, including Miami, but he never entered the transfer portal and chose to remain in Happy Valley.
The Nittany Lions have sent more linebackers to the NFL than any other team in college football — Rojas is likely next up.
Round 4: Tight End Benjamin Brahmer
Brahmer has a chance to continue the Nittany Lions’ recent tight end lineage, arriving after starting last season for the Cyclones. With Andrew Rappleyea and Gabe Burkle injured this spring, Brahmer has been getting first-team reps, and lots of them.
Listed at 6-foot-7, 252 pounds, Brahmer has a massive frame which helps him bring down contested catches and shed tackles. Though his run blocking needed improvement, that’s been a focal point this offseason.
After tallying 37 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns last season, another productive season in 2026 would set him up nicely for a mid-round selection.
Round 6: Quarterback Rocco Becht
Throughout three years as a starter (four total) at Iowa State, Becht led the Cyclones to one of the most successful stretches in program history.
Though injuries put a damper on his 2025 campaign, with a noticeable dropoff in QBR during the back half of the year, Becht has a chance to right the ship this fall, with arguably his most talented surrounding cast yet.
If he can tighten up some inconsistencies and stay healthy, Becht could propel himself higher up draft boards, and his gritty play-style and running ability are traits that help his case.
Round 6: Cornerback Zion Tracy
Tracy was an underrated piece of Penn State’s turnaround last season, playing some of his best ball during the team’s late winning streak.
He finished the year with 32 tackles, a forced fumble and a sack, including 18 tackles in the final four games. If he carries that momentum into the fall as a projected starter — at either cornerback or safety — he’ll put himself in position to be drafted.
Round 7: Tight End Gabe Burkle
The Nittany Lions have a chance to double down on tight ends taken next spring, with Burkle also eyeing an NFL future. Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser uses a heavy dose of tight ends, averaging over 2.09 on the field per play last season, so there’s plenty of snaps to go around in the room.
Burkle had two productive seasons at Iowa State, eclipsing 300 yards both times despite an injury last year, and head coach Matt Campbell has already offered effusive praise for his potential.
UDFA: Running Back Carson Hansen
UDFA: Wide Receiver Chase Sowell
UDFA: Cornerback Audavion Collins
UDFA: Safety Jeremiah Cooper
UDFA: Linebacker Kooper Ebel
UDFA: Linebacker Caleb Bacon
UDFA: Kicker Ryan Barker
Note: This prediction assumes offensive lineman Cooper Cousins and tight end Andrew Rappleyea will forego the 2027 draft and return to Penn State
