First Look: Penn State Football Projected Depth Chart for 2025

Since Penn State no longer releases a weekly football depth chart, we'll fill that gap. The Nittany Lions open the 2025 season Aug. 30 against Nevada, so it's time to project who will be in that lineup.

A few rules and caveats: This depth chart looks at the lineup Penn State will field not only against Nevada but also for the season. The group likely will change through the non-conference schedule. The Nittany Lions basically have a three-week training camp extension to solidify their starters and tune the depth chart.

Also, we haven't been privy to the entire preseason injury situation, which also will impact the depth chart. But based on training camp interviews and viewing windows at practice, here's what we think the Nittany Lions' depth chart will look like Aug. 30 at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State Projected Depth Chart: Offense

Offensive Depth Chart Notes

• Grunkemeyer should be the established No. 2 quarterback by the Big Ten season, though Penn State will rotate Jaxon Smolik into the mix through the first three games. Grunkemeyer has been the primary No. 2 through camp, though it won't hurt to extend the competition for a month and get both playing time.

• The RB3 spot is delicate. Wallace is returning from a major injury and probably should be deeper on the chart. But Franklin has shown some frustration that no back has stamped himself at the position. The Nittany Lions need a third back to relieve pressure from Singleton and Allen. One needs to emerge in September.

• Penn State will rotate six receivers during September, with Hudson, Pena and Ross getting the bulk of those reps. Hudson and Pena sit atop this depth chart, but watch for Clifford, the fifth-year senior about whom offensive coordinator Andy Kotelncki raved during practice recently. Ross looked sharp in 3-on-3 drills last week, and Howard has been the freshman standout.

• Reynolds and Dinkins will get the bulk of the tight end work, so there's not really a TE1 here. Reynolds, though, is an underrated threat in the pass game. But Andrew Rappleyea has returned from a season-ending injury eager to have the kind of year he planned in 2024.

• The offensive line's left side is set with Shelton and Ioane. Donkoh is the hinge point on the right side. He can, and will, play both spots. If Rucci doesn't start 2025 as well as he finished 2024, Penn State won't hesitate to make a shift. Williams is a nice swing player who can take snaps at tackle and guard. Franklin has mentioned Shanahan, a Texas A&M transfer, several times when discussing the guards.