Penn State offensive line faces lingering questions

Penn State offensive line coach Ryan Clanton brings a championship pedigree to his new role. A former captain at Oregon during the 2013 Fiesta Bowl win, Clanton is now tasked with solidifying the Nittany Lions’ front five ahead of the 2026 season. The team opened full-pads practice this week, providing the first real look at the unit’s chemistry.

Clanton’s tenure with the Ducks saw the team go 36-4 over three seasons. He now attempts to translate that success to a program under head coach Matt Campbell. The Nittany Lions are preparing for a Sept. 5 opener against Marshall, and establishing depth along the line is a primary focus.

Depth Chart Taking Shape

Clanton identified eight linemen he trusts “for sure” right now. He believes that number could realistically expand to 10 as fall camp progresses. “In this program with coach [Matt] Campbell, the biggest thing is to become trusted, and for those extra two guys to become trusted, you got to really prove it,” Clanton said.

The coaching staff aims to utilize four to six different line combinations during games. Currently, they have about four established groupings that work well together. Three players appear locked into starting roles: right tackle Anthony Donkoh, right guard Cooper Cousins, and left guard Trevor Buhr.

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Competition is heating up elsewhere. Redshirt freshmen Will Tompkins and Vaea Ikakoula, both transfers from Iowa State, have already earned “trusted” status. Tompkins’ background has influenced his approach to the game. “Will grew up fighting, like literally fighting,” Clanton said. “His dad’s a professional fighter, so I think that guy’s mentality, like how he attacks practice, if I told Will today at practice, ‘You’re taking every rep.’ He would be like, ‘Yes sir, no problem.’”

Integrating transfers immediately is becoming a standard practice in college football, but relying on them to fill the “trusted” category this quickly indicates the staff prioritized experience in the portal over developing younger talent from scratch. This strategy accelerates the timeline for readiness but adds pressure on the new arrivals to adapt instantly.

Center Race Comes Down to Communication

The starting center job is not yet decided. Brock Riker and Dominic Rulli are currently locked in what Clanton described as a “pretty tight race.” The decision goes beyond physical ability; the coaches are evaluating who can best lead the offense as the primary communicator.

Riker, a transfer from Texas State, was a second-team Freshman All-American last season. However, adjusting to the Big Ten requires improved communication. Clanton noted that Riker practiced his cadence in a hotel bathroom mirror during the offseason to prepare. “Go through the script, start yelling,” Clanton said of the advice he gave Riker. “You might sound crazy, but you gotta practice. … Brock is a phenomenal talent. His communication skills, he’s gaining confidence really in his ability in the offense.”

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Rulli offers a different profile. Now in his fifth season with the program, he played in all 13 games last year and started at center in the Pinstripe Bowl victory over Clemson. His experience provides a veteran safety net if Riker’s transition takes time.

Left Tackle Spot Still Up for Grabs

Protecting the quarterback’s blind side is a priority, and the left tackle spot features a three-way battle. Malachi Goodman is considered the frontrunner, but he is being pushed by Garrett Sexton and Owen Aliciene. Goodman, a former five-star recruit, did not play last season.

Clanton is focused on developing Goodman’s power and athleticism simultaneously. “The biggest thing with him is power and athleticism at the same time,” Clanton said. “We’ve really been working on him to really uncoil to run through defenders, not to defenders. But I think he’s been doing a great job. He’s not a guy that you want to stand in front of in blocking drills.”

Sexton has impressed the staff with his physical tools. Clanton estimated Sexton’s wingspan is over seven feet. “The confidence and the violence of the hands, he’s using that to his advantage,” Clanton said. Campbell wants to see more consistency from Goodman, while Sexton and Aliciene continue to push for the starting job. The winner of this battle will be responsible for protecting quarterback Rocco Becht.