​We’re back with one of our favorite summer series, where we offer three reasons for both optimism and concern about Penn State football’s offense, defense, and special teams. Today we focus on the concerns facing the Nittany Lion offense as we head into the 2026 season.
Quarterback Depth
Rocco Becht enters 2026 with more starts than any other quarterback in the country. He has shown varying levels of success over the past several seasons at Iowa State and understands the offense inside and out. But what happens if Becht is unavailable at any point this fall? Alex Manske is the most likely to step into the QB1 role in 2026, yet he is currently recovering from an injury, and his availability remains uncertain. In addition, he would be returning from limited practice time crucial for a quarterback coming off his first season as a full-time starter. Connor Barry earned praise for stepping up in spring ball, but moving from Division III to Big Ten play represents a monumental leap, even though he was a second-team All-American in his previous level. Peyton Falzone shows potential, but he will probably need more development before he can routinely succeed against Big Ten defenses.
There’s also the matter of Becht’s shoulder surgery and the reality that he isn’t afraid to run, despite standing just over six feet tall and around 200 pounds. He’ll face more physical defenses than he did at Iowa State, and Penn State fans will be hoping Becht can stay healthy. The offense could take a significant dip if he isn’t on the field, making his availability a critical concern as the season approaches.
Inexperience on the Offensive Line
Penn State graduated four of its five starters from an experienced line in 2025, including Vega Ioane, the 14th overall pick in the draft. There is reason for guarded optimism with the return of Anthony Donkoh and Cooper Cousins, but many other linemen will need to learn quickly. Malachi Goodman and Donnie Harbour are among the highly touted prospects who lack game experience but are likely to be counted on in 2026. Center Brock Riker has drawn strong praise in the offseason, but he will be transitioning to the Big Ten after spending his first year at Texas State.
The success of any offensive line hinges on all five members performing cohesively. Right now, there remains insufficient familiarity among the group to predict how they will fit together this fall. Building that chemistry quickly will be essential if this unit is to function effectively once conference play begins in late September.
Adjusting to Big Ten Defenses
There’s little mystery in the assertion that Big Ten defenses are tougher than those in the Big 12. The Big 12 has been known for high-scoring shootouts and, at times, less sturdy defenses. Becht and the rest of the offense will face stiffer competition with more NFL-ready defenders than they did in Ames. The transition could be especially challenging for the group of Iowa State transplants, both on the field and among the coaching staff. New offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser represents a fresh voice for the unit and the defense-focused strength of the conference will require careful adaptation and strategic adjustment as the season unfolds.