UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Star ratings win offseason headlines, but depth chart placement wins games.
Penn State’s six newest transfer commitments—headline by QB Alex Manske—arrive with specific roles in mind. Based on film review and roster needs, here is our projection of where they land on the Day 1 Spring Depth Chart.
1. QB Alex Manske (Iowa State)
- Projected Role: QB2 (Primary Backup)
- Depth Chart Analysis: This moves Ethan Grunkemeyer to QB3. Manske knows Taylor Mouser’s system better than anyone on the roster besides Rocco Becht. In the event of a Becht injury, Manske steps in without the offense needing to simplify the playbook.
- Long-Term: Heir apparent for 2027.
2. S Marcus Neal Jr. (Iowa State)
- Projected Role: Starting “Star” / Strong Safety
- Depth Chart Analysis: Neal Jr. recorded 77 tackles last year. He immediately leapfrogs Vaboue Toure and other developing safeties. We project him to start alongside Zakee Wheatley (Free Safety) and Jaylen Reed (if he returns). His presence allows the defense to stay in Nickel base against the run.
3. P Nathan Tiyce (ProKick Australia)
- Projected Role: Starting Punter
- Depth Chart Analysis: No competition here. Penn State’s punting woes were well-documented in 2025. Tiyce (44.5 avg) walks in as the starter, likely saving the offense 10-15 yards of field position per game.
4. DE Ikenna Ezeogu (Iowa State)
- Projected Role: Rotational Edge (2nd Team)
- Depth Chart Analysis: Ezeogu likely slots in behind Dani Dennis-Sutton (if he returned, but he declared) and Abdul Carter (same). With both starters gone, Ezeogu enters a wide-open competition with Max Granville. We project him as a situational pass rusher on 3rd downs initially, with a chance to start.
5. OL Tyshon Huff (Tiffin)
- Projected Role: 2nd Team Left Guard
- Depth Chart Analysis: Huff is a depth piece. He provides insurance for Vega Ioane (who declared for the draft) replacement. We expect J’ven Williams or a returning veteran to hold the starting spot, but Huff ensures an injury doesn’t derail the line.
6. LB John Klosterman (Iowa State)
- Projected Role: Special Teams Ace / LB4
- Depth Chart Analysis: Klosterman won’t crack the starting lineup over verified stars like Tony Rojas. His value is on kickoff coverage and punt return units, where he will likely be a four-phase starter.