UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Matt Campbell era is fully staffed. With the official announcements of Taylor Mouser (OC) and D’Anton Lynn (DC), we can now accurately project how the 2026 Penn State depth chart will evolve to fit their schemes.
Unlike previous transitions, this isn’t just about “better recruiting”—it’s about a fundamental shift in positional value.
Offensive Depth Chart Impact: The “12” Personnel Shift
Taylor Mouser brings an offense that lives and dies by the tight end. At Iowa State, he frequently utilized “12” (1 RB, 2 TE) and “13” (1 RB, 3 TE) personnel groupings.
Winners on the Depth Chart:
- The TE Room (Brahmer, Burkle, Reynolds):
- Old Regime: Used TEs primarily as safety valves or red-zone targets.
- Mouser’s Scheme: TEs are the engine. Benjamin Brahmer (Transfer) projects to step immediately into the “F” (Move) TE role, essentially functioning as a big slot receiver. Gabe Burkle likely slides into the “Y” (Inline) role. This guarantees that current TE3 Luke Reynolds will see starter-level snaps in 3-TE sets.
- Rocco Becht:
- Familiarity is king. Becht doesn’t need to learn a new language; he’s fluent in Mouser’s dialect. This solidifies his QB1 status and arguably widens the gap between him and the backups.
Positions Under Review:
- Slot Receiver: With TEs occupying the middle of the field, the traditional slot receiver role diminishes. Players like Tyseer Denmark will need to prove they can win vertically on the outside or operate in tighter spaces to stay on the field.
Defensive Depth Chart Impact: The “Havoc” Hybrid
D’Anton Lynn runs a modern NFL defense that prizes versatility over rigid positions.
The Rise of the “Leo”
Lynn’s defense relies on a “Leo”—a hybrid DE/OLB who stands up and rushes the passer.
- Depth Chart Mover: Abdul Carter (if he returned) would have been perfect here. In his absence, transfer Ikenna Ezeogu fits this mold perfectly. He projects to jump several “traditional” defensive ends on the depth chart because of his ability to drop into coverage.
Safety-Driven Nickel
Lynn often employs a 4-2-5 look where the “Star” (Nickel) is a physical safety rather than a small corner.
- Projected Risers: Zakee Wheatley and transfer Marcus Neal Jr. are the biggest beneficiaries. Neal Jr. specifically was recruited for this role—a box safety who can erase run lanes. This likely bumps traditional linebackers down the rotation in passing situations.
Conclusion
The 2026 Penn State Depth Chart will look drastically different not just because of new names, but because the roles have changed. We are updating our projections to reflect a heavy 2-TE offense and a 5-DB base defense.