⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Practice: Discussion asks: What are Penn State's culture meetings?

- Kale Bacon worked almost exclusively at defensive end during the two observed practice days, a role change that could alter Penn State's linebacker depth. - Penn State is expected to play with two linebackers on most snaps because the staff favors using its secondary personnel. - Multiple players discussed in camp were unavailable or limited for portions of the observed work, creating uneven rep totals while the depth chart develops.

- Backup quarterback Alex Manske is fully cleared for preseason work after undergoing open-heart surgery for an issue found on an echocardiogram. - Manske resumed throwing about three months after surgery and is back in Penn State's quarterback plans behind Rocco Becht.

- An experienced Penn State addition who logged roughly 500 snaps over the past two seasons at Utah missed nearly all of spring practice, opened preseason camp strongly and then was sidelined again by minor injuries. - The new coaching staff is expected to provide clearer weekly injury information, which should make the player's Week 1 status and availability trends easier to assess before the Marshall matchup.

- Penn State is emphasizing multiplicity on the defensive line, moving players across fronts and showing five-lineman looks that can trade linebacker numbers for pressure and size. - Nickel personnel remains fluid: Zion Tracy and Marcus Neal have moved through the slot role, while Jeremiah Cooper is close but not fully back after previously logging roughly 400 slot snaps in his last healthy season. - Tony Rojas was described as a defensive centerpiece whose value extends to blitzing and multiple linebacker roles; his prior knee injury was viewed as a major disruption to last season's structure. - On offense, the key camp question is whether the line can establish the physical identity expected in Taylor Mauser's system after falling short of that standard last year.

- Injury: Penn State QB Alex Manske underwent open-heart surgery in March for a dilated aortic root & a dilated ascending aorta.

- Injury: ICYMI: An echocardiogram revealed Penn State QB Alex Manske had a dilated aortic root & a dilated ascending aorta.

- Injury: Updating Penn State football player injury recoveries entering preseason camp and potential impact https:// 247sports.com/college/penn-s tate/longformarticle/penn-state-football-injury-updates-preseason-camp-potential-impact-288643467/ …

- QB: Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht is on the preseason watchlist for the best quarterback in college football.

- QB/TE: Veteran Penn State tight end Gabe Burkle, an Iowa State transfer, still is not fully cleared to practice.

- Coaching: As @Lions247 acknowledged a few hours ago in Preseason Updates, Penn State freshman QB Peyton Falzone is practicing at tight end.

- QB: Meeting with Penn State reporters Tuesday in Chicago, Matt Campbell shared an encouraging update at QB.

- RB: Penn State's running back depth chart is crowded after adding and retaining key pieces, but there is still a path for true freshman D'Antae Sheffey to cut his teeth and earn the trust of...

- When Penn State's defensive personnel are healthy, coordinator D'Anton Lynn plans to move rushers around and create pressure from multiple spots. - Consistency is the main developmental emphasis for the unit's emerging contributors; one spring riser improved with each practice and was described by the staff as a future impact player.

- Sophomore Koby Howard is the only Penn State receiver with a catch in a Nittany Lions uniform after his role expanded sharply following last season's coaching change. - Six of Howard's seven receptions in 2025 gained at least 14 yards, showing an explosive profile despite limited early playing time. - Howard carried spring splash plays into preseason camp and has drawn repeated praise from Rocco Becht and Taylor Mouser for his work habits and competitive consistency. - Howard projects in Penn State's top three receivers alongside Iowa State transfers Brett Eskildsen and Chase Sowell, with substantial slot work available. - Frequent two-tight-end personnel could limit Howard's total snaps even if he completes his expected breakout.

- OL: Penn State Coach Q&A: Ryan Clanton reviews offensive line depth, position competition and rising players https:// 247sports.com/college/penn-s tate/longformarticle/penn-state-football-coach-offensive-line-ryan-clanton-depth-position-competition-rising-players-288901960/ …

- OL: Anthony Donkoh did what was asked last year and played guard.

- Defense: I focused on Penn State's defense during Practice 1 of preseason camp, then put together a notebook.

- LB: BREAKING: Legendary Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti is joining Matt Campbell's staff, @Lions247 has learned https:// 247sports.com/college/penn-s tate/article/legendary-penn-state-lb-michael-mauti-joining-matt-campbells-staff-288616643/ …

- Intel: Penn State assistant GM Jack Griffith was named to @247Sports ' list of 30Under30.

- Practice: PHOTOS: Penn State football's latest preseason camp practice https:// 247sports.com/college/penn-s tate/contentgallery/photos-penn-state-footballs-sauna-like-training-camp-practice-289001759/ …

- Practice: Matt Campbell meets with the media after Thursday’s practice

- Practice: Penn State practice notes and observations are in subscriber inboxes.

- Practice: Penn State's first practice of fall camp is in the books.

- Practice: Matt Campbell sat down with the Penn State beat on Tuesday.

- Intel: NEW LIONS247 PODCAST @TDsTake gets an early evaluation of Penn State football's season-opening matchup with @247Sports Marshall insider @_ChrisRMcL , including who and what to know before Game 1!

- Intel: Join our @Lions247 VIP Penn State football chat with @tyler_calvaruso !