Time for an early sneak peek at what Penn State’s 2027 NFL draft class could look like.
Keep in mind I have yet to see many of these Nittany Lions transfers play live. But I do have a pretty good feel for the PSU returnees.
It’s doubtful all the players below will be in next year’s draft.
But many of them will.
Here’s my early list, in alphabetical order.
Caleb Bacon
The senior linebacker took a big step forward in the Cyclones’ defense last season.
He totaled 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, three pass breakups and four quarterback hurries in 2025.
Rocco Becht
The senior quarterback grew up around the game with a dad — Anthony Becht — who was a first-round pick (New York Jets, 2000) at tight end.
Becht had a big 2024 season, throwing to a pair of 1,000-yard wideouts. He showed grit while playing through significant shoulder pain last season.
Becht has made 39 consecutive starts and NFL people know who Brock Purdy, another Iowa State guy, is. Let’s see how Becht does in Big Ten play.
Ben Brahmer
Another Iowa State transfer, the 6-7 senior tight end should be one of the top tight ends available. Becht, who has 75 receptions and nine touchdowns the last three seasons, might be Becht’s go-to option in the fall.
Trevor Buhr. The 6-4, 321-pound redshirt junior could be a regular at guard for Penn State this season. He made 12 starts over two seasons at Iowa State. A little step forward and Buhr could be gone.
Audavion Collins
A sticky corner entering his fifth season, Collins was a primary starter for the Lions in 2025.
He can also make an impact as a coverage player on special teams. Very underrated.
Jeremiah Cooper
Versatile and talented, Cooper can play safety or corner.
He was a first-team All-Big 12 pick at safety in 2023. Cooper moved to corner last year but had his season shortened to four games due to an injury.
Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn is going to the 6-0, 184-pound Cooper in different positions to maximize his effectiveness.
Anthony Donkoh
The big offensive lineman played impactful football for the Lions in 2024 and 2025. Donkoh, a redshirt junior, has NFL size and talent. He can start at tackle or guard.
Kooper Ebel
Similar in size to Bacon at 6-4, 234 pounds, Ebel has made 26 starts over the last two seasons. The senior should be a leader on Penn State’s 2026 defense.
Carson Hansen
Cooper is a productive senior running back who was a second-team All-Big 12 choice in 2026.
Hansen just missed a 1,000-yard season a year ago and he should surpass that mark in the fall.
Hansen does not have much left to prove at the college level
Marcus Neal Jr.
A physical safety who is almost as big as a linebacker, Neal piled up 77 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two pass breakups a year ago.
Neal is just a junior but if he has another year like 2025, he could be tempted to turn pro.
Tony Rojas
The athletic fourth-year linebacker had his 2025 season derailed by an injury after a month. He was off to a great start, too.
Rojas has the size and athleticism to be a three-down linebacker at the next level.
Zion Tracy
It did not take long for Tracy, a cornerback who can play nickel and likely some safety, to make a favorable impression on Matt Campbell.
Tracy’s got plenty of speed to go with great instincts. He will be a featured defender in the fall.