Penn State Position Preview: Tight End

Penn State Position Preview: Tight End

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Penn State Position Preview: Tight End
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 29: Andrew Rappleyea #87 of the Penn State Nittany Lions catches a pass against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 40-36. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

KEY PLAYERS

Andrew Rappleyea

It seems time for Rappleyea to have his breakout campaign and become a known commodity outside of Happy Valley. Blessed with incredible athleticism for his 6-4, 250 lb. frame that poses major issues for defenses attempting to cover him. Rappleyea started the season opener in 2024, but an injury in week one took away the remainder of his season. He returned in 2025, and gradually became an important part of the offense. He ended the season on a high note once he was fully healthy, with his most productive day in the regular season finale against Rutgers, where he caught four passes for 75 yards and a score in the 40-36 shootout victory. He also ended the season with a touchdown in each of the final three games.

Rappleyea’s versatility will also be an asset. He is a strong in-line blocker, and has the athleticism to be moved around as H-back in certain formations.

Benjamin Brahmer

Rocco Becht will have his most reliable pass catcher joining him in Happy Valley with the addition of the Brahmer. The former Cyclone is a massive target at 6-7, 255 lbs., and someone Becht looks to often, especially on third downs and in the red zone. Brahmer has 75 receptions and nine touchdowns over the last three seasons at Iowa State. He will battle with Rappleyea to be the most targeted member of the tight end room, and the duo should regularly share the field in what is expected to be a tight-end heavy offense. Between his familiarity with the offense and past production, he will certainly be a vital part of the Nittany Lions offense in 2026.

Gabe Burkle

Burkle is another of Becht’s favorite targets, who will follow from Ames to Happy Valley. He has been a model of consistency, with nearly identical statlines in each of the past two seasons – 26 catches for 296 yards and a score in 2024, followed up with 26 receptions and 302 yards and a touchdown in 2025. Burkle had at least two catches in every Iowa State game in 2025, and enters the season with at least one catch in his last 16 games.

At 6-6, 255 lbs., Burkle is a skilled blocker with the size to also create mismatches in the secondary.

IN THE MIX

Cooper Alexander

Alexander is joining Brahmer and Burkle as one of the many former Cyclones to come to Penn State in 2026. He will be entering his second year of eligibility after redshirting in 2024. Alexander was able to see action in 11 games last fall, catching five passes for 47 yards while also contributing on special teams. Alexander is a former three-star prospect who was ranked as the 6th player to come out of Oklahoma in 2024. He will push for playing time, but may have an uphill battle considering the overall experience of the tight end room.

Finn Furmanek

Furmanek has been patiently waiting to break into the rotation as he enters his fourth season with the Nittany Lions. After taking a redshirt season in 2023 and appearing in four games in 2024, Furmanek appeared in all 13 games in 2025 as a special teams ace. He will be a regular presence on special teams again this fall, with the hopes of getting some meaningful snaps at tight end. Furmanek is a State College native who helped lead the Little Lions to back-to-back State semifinals appearances.

Brian Kortovich

Kortovich will be looking for the first snaps of his career as a redshirt freshman. The Cleveland-area native decided to remain with the Nittany Lions despite the coaching change and will be back for his second season with the program. Kortovich entered Penn State as a three-star recruit with offers from Indiana, Illinois, Northwestern and others. He seems likely to contribute on special teams this fall as he works his way up the depth chart.

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