Richie's predicted 2025 depth chart

[GregInPitt]

Some interesting predictions illustrated in this depth chart:
- Clifford in the slot. He really didn't create much separation in man coverage. If this comes true can he hold off Denmark as the season goes along. Is Ross better suited in the slot, but possibly played outside due to a lack of capable outside WR's.

- Not much more interesting on offense other than the prediction of Shanahan practicing and backing up at Center, but that would set him up as potentially the starting Center in 2026 and 2027. It would seem that with all the depth inside on the OL that whoever backs up Dawkins this coming season at Center would be the starting Center in 2026 and not need to move to Guard going forward.

- On Defense it will be interesting to see if Vilbert can hold off the young DE's to start opposite DDS as the younger DE's may be better pass rushers. Can Vilbert improve his pass rush as a starter? Maybe he slims down some to help that goal. Rooting for Fisher to finally have an injury free year, contribute to the DL and leave on an up note after an injury filled PSU career.

- At DT a healthy Ford seem like a key to fielding a top run defense in the middle of PSU defense.

- At Mike LB I expect Robinson to show up on the pre Spring roster more in the 230's lbs as he has a good sized frame and likely will be working hard this Spring to fill out some. Wylie is not shown on the 2 deep but he will likely be competing to start at Mike as well and if healthy may hold off Speca for a spot on the 2 deep.

- King Mack sees like a wild card at this point. Should be an interesting competition for the 2nd starting Safety between Mack and Lane. And if PSU gets a transfer Safety in the Spring this competition will carry over right up until before the first game.

- Would be great to see another player replace Singleton on KO returns. Singleton is good, but not great and why chance an injury. Maybe the RB Smith who seems to have nice speed and cutting ability?

2025 Penn State Football Projected Depth Chart

Here's the latest depth chart projections for the 2025 Penn State Football team via Happy Valley Insider.

pennstate.rivals.com

 

[sss]

Interesting to see if all the young interior OL are still on the roster if this depth chart at OG and C hold true.

 

[ryoder1]

Some interesting predictions illustrated in this depth chart:
- Clifford in the slot. He really didn't create much separation in man coverage. If this comes true can he hold off Denmark as the season goes along. Is Ross better suited in the slot, but possibly played outside due to a lack of capable outside WR's.

- Not much more interesting on offense other than the prediction of Shanahan practicing and backing up at Center, but that would set him up as potentially the starting Center in 2026 and 2027. It would seem that with all the depth inside on the OL that whoever backs up Dawkins this coming season at Center would be the starting Center in 2026 and not need to move to Guard going forward.

- On Defense it will be interesting to see if Vilbert can hold off the young DE's to start opposite DDS as the younger DE's may be better pass rushers. Can Vilbert improve his pass rush as a starter? Maybe he slims down some to help that goal. Rooting for Fisher to finally have an injury free year, contribute to the DL and leave on an up note after an injury filled PSU career.

- At DT a healthy Ford seem like a key to fielding a top run defense in the middle of PSU defense.

- At Mike LB I expect Robinson to show up on the pre Spring roster more in the 230's lbs as he has a good sized frame and likely will be working hard this Spring to fill out some. Wylie is not shown on the 2 deep but he will likely be competing to start at Mike as well and if healthy may hold off Speca for a spot on the 2 deep.

- King Mack sees like a wild card at this point. Should be an interesting competition for the 2nd starting Safety between Mack and Lane. And if PSU gets a transfer Safety in the Spring this competition will carry over right up until before the first game.

- Would be great to see another player replace Singleton on KO returns. Singleton is good, but not great and why chance an injury. Maybe the RB Smith who seems to have nice speed and cutting ability?

2025 Penn State Football Projected Depth Chart

Here's the latest depth chart projections for the 2025 Penn State Football team via Happy Valley Insider.

pennstate.rivals.com

Why is Wylie not shown? I wonder about his injury?

That is not good if Denmark can't beat out Clifford.

I would like to get a safety in the portal.

The other keys on defense for me are:

-If Smith Vilbert can be good and be a capable starter? Maybe Granville is the guy? I hope Ford is completely healthy, good run stopper as you say.

-We need a goid solid replacement for King at MLB. Robinson, Speca or Wylie. Need these guys to have a good off season and develop.

The WRs are a big unknown. Do we think it is an upgrade with the portal transfers? I hope so. I do know with no Warren we have to get much more production from this group or I don't see us beating Oregon or OSU.

A couple other thoughts....

-I hope Quinton Martin sees many more snaps in '25. Figure out how to get him on the field. Same with Reynolds.

- Who is our kickoff specialist?

-Liam Andrews, wonder how he is progressing? Big time recruit I think at DT but he was an O lineman in HS so I wonder how that transition is going?

 

[GregInPitt]

Why is Wylie not shown? I wonder about his injury?

That is not good if Denmark can't beat out Clifford.

I would like to get a safety in the portal.

The other keys on defense for me are:

-If Smith Vilbert can be good and be a capable starter? Maybe Granville is the guy? I hope Ford is completely healthy, good run stopper as you say.

-We need a goid solid replacement for King at MLB. Robinson, Speca or Wylie. Need these guys to have a good off season and develop.

The WRs are a big unknown. Do we think it is an upgrade with the portal transfers? I hope so. I do know with no Warren we have to get much more production from this group or I don't see us beating Oregon or OSU.

A couple other thoughts....

-I hope Quinton Martin sees many more snaps in '25. Figure out how to get him on the field. Same with Reynolds.

- Who is our kickoff specialist?

-Liam Andrews, wonder how he is progressing? Big time recruit I think at DT but he was an O lineman in HS so I wonder how that transition is going?

Wylie seems like a wild card at LB. Nelson, who moved from Safety before this past season, as well.

I believe the 6'6" 280+lb KO specialist Nwosu is coming back. Just left off the DC.

Andrews was initially recruited as an olinemen, but I believe he played both ways in H.S. but just wanted to focus on DT in college as he just liked playing there more

It seems that the focus in the portal for the Spring will be Another outside WR, another Safety, and MLB.

 

[GregInPitt]

Interesting to see if all the young interior OL are still on the roster if this depth chart at OG and C hold true.

Birchmeier seems to be the forgotten olinemen. High 4 star rated player who had to put on considerable size when he got to PSU. Could he be slotted for Center going forward? I remember how happy PSU fans were when PSU signed the OL class that included Williams and Birchmeier but although both are still pretty young, going into their 3rd seasons, neither has been able to break into a starting spot so far.

 

[ryoder1]

Wylie seems like a wild card at LB.

I believe the 6'6" 280+lb KO specialist Nwosu is coming back. Just left off the DC.

Andrews was initially recruited as an olinemen, but I believe he played both ways in H.S. but just wanted to focus on DT in college as he just liked playing there more

It seems that the focus in the portal for the Spring will be Another outside WR, another Safety, and MLB.

We just need a legitimate B10 #1 WR a la Hamler, Dotson or Washington. Been saying this for what 3 years now?

 

[ryoder1]

Birchmeier seems to be the forgotten olinemen. High 4 star rated player who had to put on considerable size when he got to PSU. Could he be slotted for Center going forward? I remember how happy PSU fans were when PSU signed the OL class that included Williams and Birchmeier but although both are still pretty young, going into their 3rd seasons, neither has been able to break into a starting spot so far.

Was Birchmeier the wrestler? Williams seemingly has not developed as expected.

 

[19333lion]

Was Birchmeier the wrestler? Williams seemingly has not developed as expected.

Yes. A VA state champ if memory serves me correctly.

 

[RickinDayton]

Some interesting predictions illustrated in this depth chart:
- Clifford in the slot. He really didn't create much separation in man coverage. If this comes true can he hold off Denmark as the season goes along. Is Ross better suited in the slot, but possibly played outside due to a lack of capable outside WR's.

- Not much more interesting on offense other than the prediction of Shanahan practicing and backing up at Center, but that would set him up as potentially the starting Center in 2026 and 2027. It would seem that with all the depth inside on the OL that whoever backs up Dawkins this coming season at Center would be the starting Center in 2026 and not need to move to Guard going forward.

- On Defense it will be interesting to see if Vilbert can hold off the young DE's to start opposite DDS as the younger DE's may be better pass rushers. Can Vilbert improve his pass rush as a starter? Maybe he slims down some to help that goal. Rooting for Fisher to finally have an injury free year, contribute to the DL and leave on an up note after an injury filled PSU career.

- At DT a healthy Ford seem like a key to fielding a top run defense in the middle of PSU defense.

- At Mike LB I expect Robinson to show up on the pre Spring roster more in the 230's lbs as he has a good sized frame and likely will be working hard this Spring to fill out some. Wylie is not shown on the 2 deep but he will likely be competing to start at Mike as well and if healthy may hold off Speca for a spot on the 2 deep.

- King Mack sees like a wild card at this point. Should be an interesting competition for the 2nd starting Safety between Mack and Lane. And if PSU gets a transfer Safety in the Spring this competition will carry over right up until before the first game.

- Would be great to see another player replace Singleton on KO returns. Singleton is good, but not great and why chance an injury. Maybe the RB Smith who seems to have nice speed and cutting ability?

2025 Penn State Football Projected Depth Chart

Here's the latest depth chart projections for the 2025 Penn State Football team via Happy Valley Insider.

pennstate.rivals.com

Looking at that projection raises concerns about 2nd string DTs and MLB. Either Andrews, Gilliam or Cook step up @ DT or experienced portal DT help is needed. Still think they need a starter capable MLB to bring Robinson & Soeca along at a pace that let's them learn the position/defensive calls.

 

[GregInPitt]

Was Birchmeier the wrestler? Williams seemingly has not developed as expected.

I don't know if Birchmeier was a wrestler. He was a .9712 composite as an OT, but reportedly after a brief look at OT has been practicing inside. Reportedly had to take off some bad weight and build up his muscle, but it seems he's almost never mentioned by the staff.

https://247sports.com/Player/alex-birchmeier-46101075/

Williams, also a top OL recruit in the 2023 class at a .9806 composite also got a look at OT and due to the low numbers at OT practiced and played there his first 2 seasons at PSU. A backup at left OT last season, but it is rumored that he's moving inside going forward.

https://247sports.com/Player/jven-williams-46110336/

Great that so far they have stayed with Trautwein and followed his plan for them. Hope they both make progress this Spring inside and make the decisions for which olinemen get playing time next Fall that much harder.

 

[GregInPitt]

Looking at that projection raises concerns about 2nd string DTs and MLB. Either Andrews, Gilliam or Cook step up @ DT or experienced portal DT help is needed. Still think they need a starter capable MLB to bring Robinson & Soeca along at a pace that let's them learn the position/defensive calls.

It is interesting that the staff brought in another 2024 class DT as a transfer, rather than an older DT, but Gilliam got snaps in some games and seems to be the most likely to get a regular role in the DT rotation out of all the 2024 class DT's. But Artis, a big 1 tech DT, got some playing time in 2023 and would have gotten more than he did this season if he had been healthy. It's not out of the question that another one of the 2024 DT's will be ready for playing time as well after S&C, spring and fall practices/reps.

Hard for us to know how prepared Robinson is to take over at Mike, but he's been practicing at Mike for 2 years now so other than getting a transfer 3rd or 4th year inside LB that has starting experience if Robinson is the talented LB the staff has indicated he will have the OOC games to settle in. I was surprised Richie believes Speca would back up at Mike rather than Wylie, but Speca seems like a natural inside LB whereas Wylie has practiced and I believe played at both Will and Mike. Some sorting out to do but that happens at some positions every year.

 

[Obliviax]

We also have the spring portal yet to go. It opens toward the end of spring ball. I think April 16th to 24th in 2025. Very possible we see some WRs enter at that time.

 

[GregInPitt]

We also have the spring portal yet to go. It opens toward the end of spring ball. I think April 16th to 24th in 2025. Very possible we see some WRs enter at that time.

Penn State may be desperate enough to take a flyer on this former five-star wide receiver

Penn State was hurting for wide receiver talent on its run to the College Football Playoff national championship, and now James Franklin and offensive coordinat

victorybellrings.com

 

[Obliviax]

Penn State may be desperate enough to take a flyer on this former five-star wide receiver

Penn State was hurting for wide receiver talent on its run to the College Football Playoff national championship, and now James Franklin and offensive coordinat

victorybellrings.com

Reports are that TX asked him to leave. He selected Washington and after meeting with Washington's HC, decided to leave or was asked to leave. Now it looks like he is going to take a semester off. Any school that picks him up has to do their due diligence as his track record doesn't look good despite his physical talents.

 

[bdgan]

Some interesting predictions illustrated in this depth chart:
- Clifford in the slot. He really didn't create much separation in man coverage. If this comes true can he hold off Denmark as the season goes along. Is Ross better suited in the slot, but possibly played outside due to a lack of capable outside WR's.

- Not much more interesting on offense other than the prediction of Shanahan practicing and backing up at Center, but that would set him up as potentially the starting Center in 2026 and 2027. It would seem that with all the depth inside on the OL that whoever backs up Dawkins this coming season at Center would be the starting Center in 2026 and not need to move to Guard going forward.

- On Defense it will be interesting to see if Vilbert can hold off the young DE's to start opposite DDS as the younger DE's may be better pass rushers. Can Vilbert improve his pass rush as a starter? Maybe he slims down some to help that goal. Rooting for Fisher to finally have an injury free year, contribute to the DL and leave on an up note after an injury filled PSU career.

- At DT a healthy Ford seem like a key to fielding a top run defense in the middle of PSU defense.

- At Mike LB I expect Robinson to show up on the pre Spring roster more in the 230's lbs as he has a good sized frame and likely will be working hard this Spring to fill out some. Wylie is not shown on the 2 deep but he will likely be competing to start at Mike as well and if healthy may hold off Speca for a spot on the 2 deep.

- King Mack sees like a wild card at this point. Should be an interesting competition for the 2nd starting Safety between Mack and Lane. And if PSU gets a transfer Safety in the Spring this competition will carry over right up until before the first game.

- Would be great to see another player replace Singleton on KO returns. Singleton is good, but not great and why chance an injury. Maybe the RB Smith who seems to have nice speed and cutting ability?

2025 Penn State Football Projected Depth Chart

Here's the latest depth chart projections for the 2025 Penn State Football team via Happy Valley Insider.

pennstate.rivals.com

Counting on Hudson and Ross at WR seems like a stretch. I'd be inclined to run more 2 TE sets instead of adding Clifford in the slot. The rest of the offense looks pretty good as long as Allar stays healthy.

DE looks strong but not much depth. Same with DT as long as Ford comes back healthy. LB is a big concern with a lot of pressure being put on RS-FR Robinson. Zion Tracy looked pretty good this year but he's no J Reed. It's a bit of a stretch to count on King Mack starting at SS.

I don't know what we can get from the spring portal but usually it's players that learned they aren't likely to start (or get much $$$) at their current institution. They aren't typically star players but they could provide solid depth. I guess we could also pick up a disgruntled player from OSU or ND if they enter the portal after Monday's game.

 

[bdgan]

We just need a legitimate B10 #1 WR a la Hamler, Dotson or Washington. Been saying this for what 3 years now?

Do you know any that might be interested? It's very disappointing that we couldn't get one of the top 15 WRs that entered the portal.

 

[GregInPitt]

Counting on Hudson and Ross at WR seems like a stretch. I'd be inclined to run more 2 TE sets instead of adding Clifford in the slot. The rest of the offense looks pretty good as long as Allar stays healthy.

DE looks strong but not much depth. Same with DT as long as Ford comes back healthy. LB is a big concern with a lot of pressure being put on RS-FR Robinson. Zion Tracy looked pretty good this year but he's no J Reed. It's a bit of a stretch to count on King Mack starting at SS.

I don't know what we can get from the spring portal but usually it's players that learned they aren't likely to start (or get much $$$) at their current institution. They aren't typically star players but they could provide solid depth. I guess we could also pick up a disgruntled player from OSU or ND if they enter the portal after Monday's game.

I count 7 DE's with freshmen eligibility (Granville, Harvey, Williams, Kamajou, Harris, Coleman and Burnett) for the 2025 roster and also 2 reshirt sophs(Mayer and Robinson) so it seems reasonable that some depth will emerge from those 9 (including Granville who already has been talked about by the coaches), in addition to the experienced DE's DDS, Vilbert, Fisher and White. Seems like a pretty well stocked position to me.

I don't believe Hudson and Ross are coming to PSU to sit.

 

[PSUPride1]

Some interesting predictions illustrated in this depth chart:
- Clifford in the slot. He really didn't create much separation in man coverage. If this comes true can he hold off Denmark as the season goes along. Is Ross better suited in the slot, but possibly played outside due to a lack of capable outside WR's.

- Not much more interesting on offense other than the prediction of Shanahan practicing and backing up at Center, but that would set him up as potentially the starting Center in 2026 and 2027. It would seem that with all the depth inside on the OL that whoever backs up Dawkins this coming season at Center would be the starting Center in 2026 and not need to move to Guard going forward.

- On Defense it will be interesting to see if Vilbert can hold off the young DE's to start opposite DDS as the younger DE's may be better pass rushers. Can Vilbert improve his pass rush as a starter? Maybe he slims down some to help that goal. Rooting for Fisher to finally have an injury free year, contribute to the DL and leave on an up note after an injury filled PSU career.

- At DT a healthy Ford seem like a key to fielding a top run defense in the middle of PSU defense.

- At Mike LB I expect Robinson to show up on the pre Spring roster more in the 230's lbs as he has a good sized frame and likely will be working hard this Spring to fill out some. Wylie is not shown on the 2 deep but he will likely be competing to start at Mike as well and if healthy may hold off Speca for a spot on the 2 deep.

- King Mack sees like a wild card at this point. Should be an interesting competition for the 2nd starting Safety between Mack and Lane. And if PSU gets a transfer Safety in the Spring this competition will carry over right up until before the first game.

- Would be great to see another player replace Singleton on KO returns. Singleton is good, but not great and why chance an injury. Maybe the RB Smith who seems to have nice speed and cutting ability?

2025 Penn State Football Projected Depth Chart

Here's the latest depth chart projections for the 2025 Penn State Football team via Happy Valley Insider.

pennstate.rivals.com

What about Vanover?

 

[RickinDayton]

Penn State may be desperate enough to take a flyer on this former five-star wide receiver

Penn State was hurting for wide receiver talent on its run to the College Football Playoff national championship, and now James Franklin and offensive coordinat

victorybellrings.com

No, pass. PSU doesn't need to take a flyer on portal players.

 

[RickinDayton]

What about Vanover?

I would think he will contend for a starting position and if not the starter he might be #3 DE.

 

[RickinDayton]

I count 7 DE's with freshmen eligibility (Granville, Harvey, Williams, Kamajou, Harris, Coleman and Burnett) for the 2025 roster and also 2 reshirt sophs(Mayer and Robinson) so it seems reasonable that some depth will emerge from those 9 (including Granville who already has been talked about by the coaches), in addition to the experienced DE's DDS, Vilbert, Fisher and White. Seems like a pretty well stocked position to me.

I don't believe Hudson and Ross are coming to PSU to sit.

Don't count out Vanover. He will contend to start and if he doesn't start might be #3.

 

[RickinDayton]

Some interesting predictions illustrated in this depth chart:
- Clifford in the slot. He really didn't create much separation in man coverage. If this comes true can he hold off Denmark as the season goes along. Is Ross better suited in the slot, but possibly played outside due to a lack of capable outside WR's.

- Not much more interesting on offense other than the prediction of Shanahan practicing and backing up at Center, but that would set him up as potentially the starting Center in 2026 and 2027. It would seem that with all the depth inside on the OL that whoever backs up Dawkins this coming season at Center would be the starting Center in 2026 and not need to move to Guard going forward.

- On Defense it will be interesting to see if Vilbert can hold off the young DE's to start opposite DDS as the younger DE's may be better pass rushers. Can Vilbert improve his pass rush as a starter? Maybe he slims down some to help that goal. Rooting for Fisher to finally have an injury free year, contribute to the DL and leave on an up note after an injury filled PSU career.

- At DT a healthy Ford seem like a key to fielding a top run defense in the middle of PSU defense.

- At Mike LB I expect Robinson to show up on the pre Spring roster more in the 230's lbs as he has a good sized frame and likely will be working hard this Spring to fill out some. Wylie is not shown on the 2 deep but he will likely be competing to start at Mike as well and if healthy may hold off Speca for a spot on the 2 deep.

- King Mack sees like a wild card at this point. Should be an interesting competition for the 2nd starting Safety between Mack and Lane. And if PSU gets a transfer Safety in the Spring this competition will carry over right up until before the first game.

- Would be great to see another player replace Singleton on KO returns. Singleton is good, but not great and why chance an injury. Maybe the RB Smith who seems to have nice speed and cutting ability?

2025 Penn State Football Projected Depth Chart

Here's the latest depth chart projections for the 2025 Penn State Football team via Happy Valley Insider.

pennstate.rivals.com

Richie, what is going on with Wylie? Lingering injury? The staff talked him up, he gt hurt, now you don't have him in your projected two deep.

 

[ryoder1]

I count 7 DE's with freshmen eligibility (Granville, Harvey, Williams, Kamajou, Harris, Coleman and Burnett) for the 2025 roster and also 2 reshirt sophs(Mayer and Robinson) so it seems reasonable that some depth will emerge from those 9 (including Granville who already has been talked about by the coaches), in addition to the experienced DE's DDS, Vilbert, Fisher and White. Seems like a pretty well stocked position to me.

I don't believe Hudson and Ross are coming to PSU to sit.

They were not highly rated portal guys. That is the issue and concern you are hearing. Not putting a lot of faith in the guy from Troy. Maybe the USC transfer will work out. We need someone to step up. I have hopes for Denmark or Gonzalez. This is just brutal. Incredible we can't find one WR who can be a legitimate #1 and gets separation against equally talented teams. Just one and we can get by so at least we keep the defenses honest because there is a threat at WR.

 

[PSU Soupy]

Don't count out Vanover. He will contend to start and if he doesn't start might be #3.

Thought that he was out of eligibility?? If not would love him back........

 

[Obliviax]

Richie, what is going on with Wylie? Lingering injury? The staff talked him up, he gt hurt, now you don't have him in your projected two deep.

^^^
@Richie O ^^^

 

[GregInPitt]

Don't count out Vanover. He will contend to start and if he doesn't start might be #3.

I totally agree. I would see him as being ahead of Vilbert and startin with DDS, as long as he returns. I don't believe I've seen him listed as returning as of yet. And Richie didn't have him listed on his preview 2025 depth chart so I was assuming he wasn't returning. When Carter went out it was Vanover that seemed to pick up for him and put pressure on the QB vs Boise St. I would project Vanover as the starter along with DDS if he returns, but is he returning?

 

[GregInPitt]

They were not highly rated portal guys. That is the issue and concern you are hearing. Not putting a lot of faith in the guy from Troy. Maybe the USC transfer will work out. We need someone to step up. I have hopes for Denmark or Gonzalez. This is just brutal. Incredible we can't find one WR who can be a legitimate #1 and gets separation against equally talented teams. Just one and we can get by so at least we keep the defenses honest because there is a threat at WR.

Hudson seems like a starter to me from his highlights as well as his performance vs PSU this season. We'll see if Ross can move up to the B10 and be effective.

 

[GregInPitt]

Richie, what is going on with Wylie? Lingering injury? The staff talked him up, he gt hurt, now you don't have him in your projected two deep.

Doubt he sees this unless you tag him, create another thread, or reply to a thread he started....