RB
Redshirt Junior
Iowa State transfer with verified 2025 production and direct familiarity with Matt Campbell's system. Hansen is one of the central 2026 backfield candidates, especially for early-down work, but the room should be treated as a competition until game evidence separates roles.
Carson Hansen gives Penn State a rare kind of transfer fit: a running back who brings both production and system familiarity. He followed Matt Campbell and Taylor Mouser from Iowa State to Penn State, so his value is not only in rushing totals but also in knowing the terminology, protections, and offensive rhythm the new staff wants to install.
At Iowa State, Hansen became a meaningful part of the Cyclones' run game and finished the 2025 season with 952 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. He also added receiving usage, which matters for a Penn State offense replacing both elite running back production and veteran passing-game answers.
For the 2026 depth chart, Hansen profiles as one of the safest backfield options because he combines size, experience, and scheme carryover. That does not make him an automatic RB1. It does make him one of the most logical candidates for early-down and situational work while James Peoples, Quinton Martin Jr., Cam Wallace, and the rest of the room compete around him.