Penn State has an embarrassment of riches at tight end, but that depth has been tested by injuries through the early part of the season. Veteran Iowa State transfer Gabe Burkle missed Week 1 recovering from an injury he suffered last year, and now, with Burkle back, redshirt junior Andrew Rappleyea, a holdover from the James Franklin era, exited with an injury in the first half of Penn State’s Week 3 matchup with Buffalo.
Rappleyea caught his first touchdown of the season in the first quarter, but in Quarter 2, after hauling in his third reception of the day, he was slow to his feet and forced to exit the game. Rappleyea heading down the tunnel to the locker room prior to halftime.
Latest Andrew Rappleyea injury update Week 3:
Caroline Hendershot of the Big Ten Network reported from the sidelines that Rappleyea was wincing in pain as he walked to the sideline and threw down his helmet in frustration. According to Hendershot, Rappleyea was “gingerly holding that right shoulder,” which he appeared to have injured on the play.
Rappleyea has yet to return to the game for Penn State.
UPDATE: According to Daniel Gallen of Lions247, Rappleyea returned to the sideline before the half without his helmet or pads. It appears that his day is done.
Rappleyea returned to the sideline without his pads or helmet. https://t.co/lPMwNIWTYP
— Daniel Gallen (@danieljtgallen) September 19, 2026
Penn State has options at TE
Rappleyea has emerged as Penn State's most well-rounded tight end, despite Campbell importing two Iowa State transfers, Burkle and Benjamin Brahmer. Burkle is the best blocker at tight end, and Brahmer is the most dynamic pass-catcher, but in a tight-end-heavy option, Rappleyea has played the most snaps and done both things well. His versatility allows both Brahmer and Burkle to slot more clearly into their specific roles.
Despite losing former five-star tight end Luke Reynolds to Virginia Tech and James Franklin this offseason, Penn State is even deeper at tight end in 2026, as Finn Furmanek has also played significant snaps. Furmanek will likely fill Rappelyea's shoes, while Brahmer's apparent improvement as a blocker will be put to the test in the run game.
Penn State also down starting center Brock Riker
Rappleyea isn't the only Nittany Lion starter who has been lost in the first half on Saturday. Texas State transfer and starting center Brock Riker also exited early in the first quarter. Riker was replaced by Iowa State transfer Vaea Ikakoula, who is listed on the roster as a guard but appears to be the primary backup center.
Penn State has not provided an update on Riker to this point, but he has not reentered the game. It is not entirely clear that his absence is injury-related. As a big Week 3 favorite, Penn State may be trying a new combination along the offensive line prior to Big Ten play opening with Wisconsin at Beaver Stadium in Week 4.
Campbell told reporters that Riker was the offense's highest-graded offensive player in a 45-0 Week 1 win over Marshall. However, Riker is still a young player making a significant step up in competition from Texas State.
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