​The 2025 season proved to be a tough stretch for everyone associated with Penn State, as the team finished tied for its second-worst record in the James Franklin era and endured an in-season coaching change. Yet the hardest hit was felt by pass-rusher Max Granville. The four-star defensive end entered the year with high expectations after spending most of his redshirt freshman season watching and learning, but he was sidelined for the entire 2025 campaign due to an injury.
As he works back toward full health, the Texas native is poised to breakout and make a name for himself, and it appears the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff shares that belief. Reid Kagy, Penn State’s director of strength and conditioning, recently spoke about Granville’s potential for 2026, telling reporters, “We’re really excited about what Max can do.” He added context for why he thinks the edge rusher is set for a breakout year, noting, “Granville is another guy that we’ve been super impressed with from a work-ethic standpoint… We’re excited for what he’s going to do this fall.”
Kagy’s endorsement comes soon after Granville drew attention from workout photos that surfaced, showing him looking shredded and primed to overpower any offensive lineman or running back in his path. The Nittany Lions are counting on a big season from their talented pass rusher to solidify their reputation as a formidable defense, capable of pressuring quarterbacks with consistency.
Standing 6-3 and weighing around 252 pounds, Granville sits at an ideal frame for his position. That size should enable him to leverage both speed and power-rush techniques to penetrate the offensive line and reach the quarterback when needed. For years, Penn State fans have sensed that Granville possessed special talent since his commitment a couple of years ago, and it seems the coaching staff shares that assessment. If he returns to or exceeds his pre-injury form, Granville could be a catalyst for a more aggressive, disruptive Penn State edge rush.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Granville to see if he can transform his potential into production. With a clear work-ethic foundation, a favorable physical profile, and the backing of a coaching staff that believes in him, the next chapter of his college career could unfold with a notable breakout year. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how quickly he can translate his athletic gifts into impact plays on the field, helping Penn State bolster its pass rush and redefine its defensive ceiling.