Penn State Football Position Preview: Defensive End

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With Spring practice in the rearview mirror and with Fall camp only a handful of weeks away, we begin our Summer position preview series here at BSD, as we take a look at how Matt Campbell’s first Penn State roster is shaping up. Up next: The defensive ends.

The Starters

Max Granville (Redshirt sophomore)

Going into the 2025 season, many Penn State fans (all of us at BSD as well) were ready for the sophomore to have a breakout season, stepping in for the departed Abdul Carter as the next great edge rusher. Those dreams were dashed in the offseason after Granville suffered a season-ending injury in the summer of 2025. Now that he is back to full strength, fans are ready for him to prove that the hype is justified and wreck opposing backfields in 2026.

Yvan Kemajou (Sophomore)

Even though Kemajou has only shown flashes in a handful of games so far-recording a sack against Nebraska and a half-sack against Rutgers, his size (6’3”, 254), speed and acceleration (just look at quickly he gets to Nebraska’s TJ Lateef), and strength (Again, the way he brushes by Rutgers’ tackle to get to Athan Kaliakmanis) makes it a no-brainer to start him this season, or at the very least, involve him heavily in the rotation.

Others in the Rotation:

Most of these players will see a lot of time if things hold true to how Penn State has treated their defensive line (especially their edge players) for the past decade-plus.

Ikenna Ezeogu(Redshirt senior)

Ezeogu is one of many Iowa State transfers coming to Happy Valley. He has appeared in 38 games during his career, with 60 tackles and three sacks. His best performance in 2025 was against Arizona State, where he had five tackles and a fumble recovery. At 6’5” and 275 pounds, Ezeogu is a different build than the previous two edge players, so he may see more action during obvious running situations.

LaVar Arrington II(Sophomore)

The son of Nittany Lion royalty has made the switch that a few were hoping would occur when he came to Penn State last season. He saw enough action on special teams in 2025 to burn his redshirt, but I would be shocked if he did not see significant playing time at EDGE in 2026.

Jackson Ford(Freshman)

Ford has been the talk of the freshman class since he was the only commit to stick with Penn State following the departure of James Franklin. He has ideal size at 6’5”, 252, has put on almost 15 pounds since Signing Day, and continues to get buzz from both players and coaches about his ability.

Dayshaun Burnett(Redshirt freshman), Mason Robinson (Redshirt junior), Aidan Probst (Redshirt sophomore), Alexander McPherson (Sophomore, Colorado transfer), and Bobby Mears(Redshirt junior)

Neither of these players have yet to see game action so far for the Nittany Lions. Of these players, McPherson may have the inside track to game action.

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