The NFL Draft season is full swing, and the collegiate football world is in its slumber. The revolving door of player personnel has started cycling at full speed, and the Nittany Lions are among the most affected by this trend, with the addition of head coach Matt Campbell.
There's one place they will surely look different: Electronic Arts' hit College Football video game. So, that begs the question, what will Penn State look like in the new edition of this game with all these transfers.
The blue and white entered last season, predicted to be a national contender with a rating in the high 80s. While it likely finds itself in the midrange this season, Penn State will be just as fun to play with.
Here's a prediction of a few of the primary additions.
The most marquee addition for Penn State via the portal, and the Nittany Lions will love the predicament they've found themselves in. Becht enters as the QB with the most starting wins next season. There's little reason to expect that won't translate to the sticks, given that he's one of the best passers in the game at launch.
Former Penn State QB Drew Allar earned a 92 overall at launch, so it's fair to expect Becht earning that, if not higher. Given his proven track record, he's expected to be in the 93-95 range.
Despite his injury, Becht will be ranked one of the best QBs in CFB27.
As Becht's partner receiver, it's fair to say Brahmer will also receive a moderate ratings bump in the new edition. After debuting at an 83, Brahmer rose by three over the season. Now in Happy Valley, it's fair to say it may get even higher.
Fans will, once again, have a Tyler Warren-esque receiver to throw to in the game as Brahmer likely hits 90 overall. A much improvement at the position compared to Luke Reynolds' 82 and Khalil Dinkins' 81 a year prior.
It's fair to say TEU is in good hands.
After a big freshman year at Ohio State, Peoples was extremely hyped entering his sophomore season, but he took a backseat to RB Bo Jackson. Peoples debuted at an 87 overall last year and eventually dropped two spots, finishing with only three touchdowns and under 400 yards.
Peoples joins the Nittany Lions as their highest-rated rusher in CFB27, but he'll likely be a downgrade from the tandem of two top-ten backs in the game — Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton — a year prior. It'll likely be a 2026 debut with an overall of 85 or perhaps even lower, but behind his 5.6 yards per carry average, Peoples may approach the 90s by season's end with a full starter's role.
This time on the defensive side of the ball of players following Campbell from Iowa State, Neal headlines a rejuvenated secondary unit for Campbell's first season in charge.
Last season was a breakout for Neal. With a pair of interceptions and a fumble, he boosted his rating nine spots to an 81 by the end of the year, and even that feels like a slight.
Entering next season, Neal's already projected as a top-three NFL recruit at his position and a possible Day 1-3 draft pick. Users will love using Neal on their defenses. He'll likely be in the high 80s, if not the low 90s.