ESPN shared its list of way-too-early All-American predictions for the 2026 college football season. While Penn State players weren't initial nominees, two were considered on Mark Schlabach's list.
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Alongside the player Schlabach chose, he added an additional two who he also considered per position. Tight end Benjamin Brahmer and safety Marcus Neal Jr. represented the Nittany Lions as those with future potential to be All-Americans in 2026.
Tight end Benjamin Brahmer and safety Marcus Neal Jr. have All-American potential in 2026
At tight end, Texas Tech's Terrance Carter Jr. earned the top spot. Brahmer was considered alongside LSU's Trey'Dez Green for the way-too-early All-American spot. Schlabach listed Brahmer third behind Green.
The senior tight end transferred from Iowa State to Penn State. Per 247Sports Transfer Rankings, he was a four-star player in the portal, ranked 41st overall and second among tight ends. He officially transferred on Jan. 3.
Brahmer had his best collegiate season in 2025 as a junior with the Cyclones. He registered 37 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns over 12 games and 10 starts. His performance led him to be a Mackey Award Semifinalist, an All-Big 12 Third Team honoree and All-American Honorable Mention, per Phil Steele, and an All-Big 12 Second Team honoree as voted by coaches.
As a sophomore, he had 10 catches for 179 yards and one score. His season was abbreviated due to injury, but he played in eight games and made two starts. Brahmer logged 28 catches for 352 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman in 2023, playing in all 13 contests and made two starts.
Oregon's Koi Perch was named as Schlabach's way-too-early All-American safety for the 2026 season. He listed Neal Jr. as the first consideration behind Perch. Alabama's Bray Hubbard was also considered for the spot.
Neal Jr. was another four-star transfer who was ranked 146th overall and ninth among safeties, per 247Sports Transfer Rankings. He transferred from Iowa State on Jan. 4 and enters the 2026 season as a junior.
For the Cyclones in 2025, he was one of three defensive players that started in all 12 contests. He led the team with 77 total tackles (tied with linebacker Kooper Ebel), 40 of which were solo tackles. Neal Jr. also logged 11 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. He earned an All-Big 12 Third Team nod and also made Phil Steele's All-Big 12 Third Team.
As a freshman in 2024, Neal Jr. made 24 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble over 13 games played.