STATE COLLEGE — The State College Little Lions are coming off another successful season, finishing 10-3, advancing to the state quarterfinals, and being ranked No. 5 in the state in the final PA Football News rankings in 2025. The Little Lions are led by Head Coach Matt Lintal, who has a career record of 111-38 and has led State College to 11 district titles in his 12 years on the sidelines.
State College will have to replace 15 total lettermen. Six players from the 2025 squad went on to play college football, including star running back D’Antae Sheffey, who is one of a total of 6 former Little Lions who now play for Matt Campbell at Penn State.
The Little Lions do return 28 letterwinners. Four of the team’s five offensive line starters are back, and the team’s secondary will have plenty of experience. Quarterback Connor Kulka is also back for his junior season. Kulka threw for the second-most yards in school history last year, averaging 184.5 yards per game. He also added 341 yards on the ground during his phenomenal sophomore season.
Other key members of the team returning this season include seniors AJ Fry, Anthony Sheffey, Matt Gaul, CJ Clemons, Rowan Zinobile, Kellin Williams, and TJ Bowser. Fry is committed to playing college football at Old Dominion, while Anthony Sheffey is committed to Buffalo. Gaul is committed to Stonehill and is in line to make more high school starts than any State College player in the history of the program. Clemons is currently uncommitted but holds offers from both Buffalo and Cornell. Williams was second on the team last season with 64 tackles.
Rowan Walker is another senior looking to make an impact as he takes over the starting running back role. Walker ran for 161 yards on 26 carries in State College’s win over Cumberland Valley last year and is looking forward to an expanded role in the backfield.
Special teams will also be another strength for the Little Lions. Shane Markoski accumulated 78 points on kicks last season while averaging 42.3 yards per punt.
Other players to watch for this year include seniors Eli Honikel, Karim Moustafa, Mason Evans, Ethan Prenatt, and Aaron Brushwood.
Losing so much talent from the 2025 team, however, is a concern for Head Coach Matt Lintal.
“Replacing a tremendous graduating class from last year that had six players go on to play college football. Replacing a lot of guys who had experience with the ball in their hands. D’Antae Sheffey was a staple in the backfield, Hank Lustig and Daimear Coad were our top wide receivers. Replacing those playmakers is difficult.”
State College starts the season with three of its first four games on the road, including an opening matchup against non-conference opponent Central York. Central York is coming off an impressive 11-2 season in 2025 and will be an early test for the Little Lions.
State College plays at Altoona on Oct. 16 and then finishes the season at home against Carlisle and Harrisburg.
