UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The deadline has passed, and the reality has set in: Alonzo Ford Jr. (DT) and Harrison Wallace III (WR) are off to the NFL.
While fans celebrate their next steps, the coaching staff is already scrambling to fill the voids. Here is our analysis of how these departures reshape the 2026 Penn State Depth Chart.
DT Vacancy: The Ford Jr. Role
Alonzo Ford Jr. wasn’t just a starter; he was the “0-Technique” nose tackle who ate double teams. Replacing that mass is virtually impossible with a single player.
The “Committee” Solution
New DL Coach Ikaika Malloe will likely rotate three players to fill this specialized role:
- Siale Taupaki (Transfer - UCLA): The most direct replacement. Taupaki is a pure run-stuffer. We project him to start on 1st and 2nd downs immediately.
- Dallas Vakalahi (Transfer - Utah): A slightly more athletic option who offers pass-rush upside. He likely slots in as the “Rotational 3-Tech” but can slide inside.
- Zane Durant: The X-factor. If Durant stays, he is the undisputed leader. If he leaves, the depth chart at DT becomes dangerously thin, relying on unproven freshmen.
Depth Chart Verdict: Taupaki moves to DT1 (Nose), pushing Coziah Izzard to a rotational role.
WR Vacancy: The Wallace Vertical Threat
Harrison Wallace III was the only receiver on the 2025 roster who consistently scared safeties deep. His exit leaves the “Z” receiver spot wide open.
The Battle for “Z”
- Brett Eskildsen (Transfer - Iowa State): The favorite. While not a burner like Wallace, Eskildsen is a master route runner who understands the “Mouser Offense.” He provides a safety blanket for Rocco Becht.
- Omari Evans: The only remaining speedster with game experience. This is his final chance to claim a starting job. If he can’t beat out the transfers this spring, he may fall out of the rotation entirely.
- Kaden Saunders: With Wallace gone, Saunders might finally get snaps at Z, moving around the formation to create mismatches.
Depth Chart Verdict: Eskildsen projects as the starter due to system knowledge, but the offense loses its vertical stretch element unless Evans develops rapidly.