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Following is a preseason series on Penn State's position groups and a key player to watch from each:
POSITION: Quarterback
Player to watch: Alex Manske (No. 7)
Class: Redshirt freshman
Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 210 pounds
Career to this point: Played in three games as a true freshman at Iowa State in 2025 before transferring. All five of his passing attempts (completed four) came in the opener vs. South Dakota, an FCS school. Missed spring practice with an undisclosed injury that caused him to stay in Iowa before he rejoined the Lions in July, but Matt Campbell has raved about his potential. Presuming Rocco Becht (No. 3) stays healthy, Manske is the projected backup and at this point could be the frontrunner to start in 2027.
Quotable: "Obviously, I've never really been out east before, being from Iowa, going to Iowa State, but just having all the guys come out, similar coaches, similar faces everywhere. I feel like it's made the transition really easy."
Alex Manske
FYI: With no real experience behind Becht, it was noteworthy -- even reassuring -- at how much Campbell raved about Manske last week. He said Manske "has elite arm talent" and will benefit from Becht's mentorship. Campbell: "It's really what you would want your program to look like. You have a veteran teaching the young guy, and you have a young guy that's getting ready to take over the reins. We're really fortunate in that situation."
Others in the mix: Of the other QBs on the roster, including freshman Peyton Falzone (No. 14), Christopher Newport transfer Connor Barry (No. 10) has the most experience as the lefty played the majority of snaps in the Blue-White Game.
WEDNESDAY: Linebackers