Penn State football retains another Nittany Lion eligible to return for the 2026 season. Offensive linemen Cooper Cousins and Anthony Donkoh recently made their respective announcements, and another offensive weapon made his.
Penn State wins big with this Nittany Lion's return to Penn State in 2026
Tight end Andrew Rappleyea, who went under-appreciated until interim head coach Terry Smith stepped into his abrupt role, posted on Twitter/X on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
His statement read:
"I want to take a moment to thank Coach Howle and Coach Franklin for their contributions to my Penn State journey, helping me grow immensely both as a player and, more importantly, as a man. I will forever be grateful for that.
"This place is extremely close to my heart. The past three years have been nothing but a blessing for me and my family. I look forward to building this with Coach Campbell, Coach Mouser, and my brothers in that locker room.
"With that being said, I'm excited to announce I will be returning to Penn State next season."
Coach Campbell, Thank you for this opportunity. Ready to get to work #WeAre pic.twitter.com/OOkjYAZ5OP
— Andrew Rappleyea (@andrewrappleyea) December 30, 2025
Andrew Rappleyea set to return for 2026 season, per announcement
Rappleyea only just started becoming a key piece of Penn State's offense. He only made four total appearances in his first two seasons. The redshirt sophomore played in all 13 games in 2025, logging 20 receptions for 180 yards and three touchdowns.
His impact sprinkled throughout the season. He had three receptions for 33 yards against Nevada in Week 1 and remained relatively quiet — picking up a few catches for short yardage — until the final two games of the season. Against Rutgers in the regular season finale, Rappleyea had four catches for 75 yards and one score. In the Pinstripe Bowl, he had five receptions for 18 yards and another receiving touchdown. This marked his third consecutive touchdown in three games.
Rappleyea rotated in with fellow tight ends Khalil Dinkins and Luke Reynolds in 2025. However, he soon stood out as the most promising from the room not only as a pass-catcher for quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, but as a blocker and extension of the offensive line as well.
Retaining Rappleyea is crucial. The Nittany Lions saw what happens when he's used properly and to his strengths. Before Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin was fired, he had just six receptions on the season. The remaining 14 came under Smith's watch.
The unlocked potential not only from Rappleyea, but other young players as well, that came with Smith's leadership gave head coach Matt Campbell things to be excited about in terms of building the program back up. The tight end is just one returner among others Campbell can continue developing into strong, threatening weapons moving forward.