PennLive looked at five talented young defensive players Penn State must retain for the 2026 season on Thursday.

The Nittany Lions (3-4, 0-4) also may have some work to do when it comes to keeping five young offensive players in State College next season.

These five.

Owen Aliciene. Don’t expect to see much of the 6-7, 298-pound Aliciene the rest of the way.

The true freshman offensive tackle had the attention of former Penn State head coach James Franklin in the spring, but the Lions have three veteran tackles they will continue to lean on for the remainder of 2025.

PSU’s two starting tackles, Drew Shelton and Nolan Rucci, are seniors. Redshirt sophomore Anthony Donkoh is starting at guard but also has starting experience at tackle.

Aliciene could be a big part of the Lions’ fut

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