Why Penn State football must keep Ethan Grunkemeyer, 9 players in 2026
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NEW YORK CITY − This Penn State football running back had not carried the ball all season.
Was Quinton Martin, a former Top 100 national recruit, even fourth on the depth chart during one of the Nittany Lions‘ biggest rollercoaster seasons ever?
He also did not start Saturday’s 22-10 Pinstripe Bowl victory over Clemson in frozen Yankee Stadium. But he eventually stepped in, exquisitely so, in place of absent stars Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton.
Martin, a redshirt freshman, may have impressed more than any young player in that pounding, persevering win here that ends Penn State’s season with an unlikely winning record.
Martin was one of a handful of players who proved their increasing value for 2026 and new head coach Matt Campbell − if they, indeed, stay with the program. This week begins maybe the most uncertain Penn State offseason as Campbell continues to build a new staff and roster ahead of the two-week NCAA transfer portal window, which opens Friday.
Here are the nine young players the Lions must prioritize and try to keep most heading into 2026:
Penn State football: Quinton Martin, running back
Martin is a uniquely-built tailback, tall (6-foot-1) and lean (200 pounds), who runs upright but with surprising power between the tackles.
He arrived with future star billing but only carried 13 times in 2024 while battling injuries and didn’t have a single touch in a game this season until taking over in the second quarter in Yankee Stadium. He quickly got comfortable, though, and was quicker and more decisive with his cuts and running as the afternoon wore on, often carrying tacklers.
He quickly bypassed fellow backup Corey Smith against Clemson, running 20 times for 101 yards − and looking like No. 1 tailback material for 2026.
“He showed a side that he could be a slasher and a physical back all in one game,” interim head coach Terry Smith said after the Pinstripe Bowl. “I’m super proud of him. We didn’t have (Allen and Singleton) who have run for all the yards we’ve had, and he stepped right in and we didn’t miss a beat.”
Ethan Grunkemeyer, quarterback
The redshirt freshman QB steadily improved through his seven, second-half starts. It’s telling that Ethan Grunkeyemer played his best on a frozen, slippery field against Clemson.
He continued the most accurate passing start in school history by completing 23-of-34 throws (68 percent) with two touchdowns. He’s proven to be a rising starting Power 4 QB − an excellent decision-maker who figures to become a stronger passer and a better runner with more training time.
And these Lions need at least two qualified quarterback options in 2026, as proven again this past fall. Convincing Grunkemeyer to stay is paramount, even if Iowa State QB Rocco Becht transfers in, as expected.
Koby Howard, receiver
Koby Howard would be the most talented returning wideout, despite limited production as a true freshman.
He’s shown high-valued traits more quickly than expected − sharp route running to get open, reliable hands and a run-after-the-catch blocking physicality essential in the Big Ten.
Andrew Rappelyea/Luke Reynolds, tight end
These two sophomores are emerging tight end stars, no matter some inconsistency and production struggles in 2025.
They combined for 46 catches over 13 games but easily offer much more.
They both own elite pass-catching and running abilities for their positions − and enough study blocking possibilities. Their versatility is coveted and should become match-up nightmares if they can stay together in 2026.
Daryus Dixson, cornerback
Daryus Dixson developed into perhaps the team’s top cornerback option by November and the Pinstripe Bowl. Quite an accomplishment for the true freshman from Califorinia.
The cornerback offers unusual maturity and confidence − to go with high-level instincts and coverage skills − at arguably the toughest on-on-one position on the field.
King Mack/Vabou Toure, safety
King Mack, a junior, and Vabou Toure, a redshirt freshman, often blended in with one of deepest secondaries in the nation.
But they stand to shine next season, offering imperative speed and leadership (Mack) and hard-hitting tackling and instincts (Toure). They could team with Dejuan Lane to form one of the top safety groups in the Big Ten.
Toure affirmed his physicality and feel-for-the game expectations in the Pinstripe Bowl, tying for the team lead with seven tackles (four solo) and a game-clinching sack.
Yvan Kemajou, defensive end
Yvan Kemajou, just a true freshman, has already showed flashes of becoming the next feared edge rusher at the school known for them.
He owns the requisite size (6-3, 252 pounds) and strength and growth potential to become a breakout star next fall. Consider that his 13 tackles as a rookie included 5.5 behind scrimmage while adding three official QB “hurries.”
His value has only increased with the Lions losing exceptional senior pass rushers Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zuriah Fisher and sensational rookie Chaz Coleman to the transfer portal.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Why Penn State football must keep Ethan Grunkemeyer, 9 players in 2026
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