With the college football Transfer Portal opening on Jan. 2, more and more Penn State players announced their intent on entering the portal the week of Dec. 28, 2025. Sprinkled here and there throughout these announcements are Nittany Lions saying they plan on returning to Happy Valley for 2026.
After tight end Andrew Rappleyea made his announcement that he intends on coming back to Penn State, so did redshirt freshman and defensive end Max Granville.
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Max Granville announces on Instagram that he will return to Penn State in 2026. #WeAre #PennState pic.twitter.com/G4DIVilWC6
— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) January 1, 2026
Max Granville announces his return to Penn State for 2026 season
Granville was a former four-star from the Class of 2024, ranked the 25th top edge rusher from his class and 306th overall recruit, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. The initial 2025 recruit re-classified, joining the Nittany Lions sooner.
At first glance, news of his return does not sound like anything breaking or nearly as important as players, like quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and tight end Luke Reynolds, departing. Granville redshirted his true freshman season, making seven appearances and making one tackle, one pass break-up, and one pass defensed. Only four of those games were in the regular season, allowing him to redshirt. In 2025, he didn't play once due to an injury he sustained over the summer leading into the season.
Lack of on-field time doesn't diminish his potential and talents, though. Former head coach James Franklin anticipated his return in 2025, expecting Granville to play an essential role on defense. Those hopes haven't died with head coach Matt Campbell and defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn coming to Happy Valley.
On top of getting him back after a projected breakout season, Granville is the only defensive lineman who announced his plans on returning.
Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton and defensive tackle Zane Durant are off to the 2026 NFL Draft due to their expired eligibility. In addition to those two losses, defensive end Zuriah Fisher intends on entering the Transfer Portal, seeking another year of eligibility in doing so. Other defensemen about to pop up in the portal are star edge rusher Chaz Coleman, edge Jaylen Harvey, linebacker Keon Wylie, and cornerbacks Elliot Washington II and A.J. Harris.