Who's Winning the Early Buzz at Penn State Football Spring Practice?

Penn State has put on the pads for spring football practice, as the evaluation period begins blending with instruction. Nittany Lions coach Matt Campbell is going full classroom this spring as he blends installs with a roster that's more than half new.

Yet Campbell and his staff also are learning more about the returning Nittany Lions and transfers from beyond Iowa State who will populate the two-deep next season. So who's standing out so far? Campbell pointed to several players earning attention this spring.

Defensive end LaVar Arrington II

Penn State coach Matt Campbell went in-depth about new DE LaVar Arrington II and how he could contribute.

"He's explosive and he's dynamic."

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— Mark Wogenrich (@MarkWogenrich) April 1, 2026

Arrington burned his redshirt last season primarily on special teams, where he developed into a multi-unit contributor. One of Campbell's major position moves was shifting Arrington from linebacker to defensive end.

Arrington, whose father was a Hall of Fame linebacker at Penn State, is built to play edge. Though he's listed at 6-3, 216 pounds, Arrington has a long frame that could support added weight while maintaining the explosion required to rush the quarterback. Campbell has seen that in action, beginning with the Pinstripe Bowl practices he watched last December.

"He's explosive and he's dynamic," Campbell said. "His first couple steps are what I would say are like 'wow' moments. So how do we put LaVar in the best situation to impact the team as fast as we possibly can?"

Penn State signed two defensive ends from the portal: Iowa State's Ikenna Ezeogu and Colorado's Alexander McPherson. Yvan Kemajou returns after making five tackles for loss as a true freshman, and Max Granville is returning from a season-ending injury in 2025. Arrington might be a long-term project at defensive end, but Campbell said he brings traits that could get him on the field soon.

"I think what's deceiving with LaVar is he is so strong," Campbell said. "He's violent through his hips. He's got great hands. And so I think finding that right weight will be really critical. But I think there's a lot of things he can do to help our football team right away."

Running back Quinton Martin Jr.

No Penn State player used the Pinstripe Bowl as a launch pad better than running back Quinton Martin Jr. After going the regular season without a carry, Martin ran 20 times for 101 yards in the Nittany Lions' 22-10 win over Clemson.

After considering a transfer, Martin stayed at Penn State with fellow back Cam Wallace. The new running backs are more experienced, particularly Carson Hansen, who led Iowa State in rushing last season. But Martin (6-1, 204) has added weight and is practicing with intention, as Campbell likes to say.

"I really enjoy how he approaches his journey right now," Campbell said of Martin. "Obviously the last game of the season, you saw a guy that’s got great talent. And taking that talent and maturing into what the standard of excellence to play running back here is, those are two different things.

"I think he has been purposeful and intentful. You saw that even in his weight. I think he's done a great job in terms of adding weight and consistently keeping that on. Same thing in terms of practice habits."

Three receivers to know

Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Koby Howard takes a handoff from quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer. — Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Koby Howard (3) takes a handoff from quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer (17) in the fourth quarter against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium. | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Wide receiver will be a chronic concern at Penn State until it isn't. And this spring, the Nittany Lions are getting limited reps from their top two transfers, Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen, who combined for 62 catches for 1,026 yards at Iowa State last season.

But two more Iowa State transfers, redshirt freshmen Zay Robinson and Karon Brookins, have stood out to Campbell early. As has returning sophomore Koby Howard, who averaged 19 yards per reception for the Nittany Lions last season.

"I don't know if you could ask for a better situation for those young guys to be able to step up and show what they can do," Campbell said. "And honestly, they've been impressive so far. It's great to see, and iron sharpens iron and the opportunity to go against some of the best [defensive backs] has been awesome for those guys."

Quarterback Connor Barry

Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht goes through a throwing drill at practice at Holuba Hall. — Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht goes through a throwing drill at practice at Holuba Hall in front of Connor Barry (17). | Mark Wogenrich | Penn State On SI

Penn State has both a dilemma and an opportunity at quarterback this spring. With starter Rocco Becht on limited reps and redshirt freshman, and presumptive QB2, Alex Manske sidelined, three newcomers are getting extra long looks. Campbell has liked what he's seen so far from Connor Barry.

A redshirt senior who played Division III football, Barry was a transfer portal unicorn: the veteran quarterback willing to play a reserve role and provide positional competition. Which is what he has done so far, Campbell said.

"Honestly, Connor Barry has come in and he's really done a great job, probably been the surprise so far of like four days of practice," Campbell said. "Just his ability to get quality reps. I think we were really excited when Connor decided to come here, allowing him to be with some of our veteran players and watch how he operates.

"So I think, as in all those situations, that there's a silver lining. And I think Connor getting those quality reps, some of these young guys getting the opportunity to get in and execute the offense, has been really positive for all of us."

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