Before Alijah Carnell ever played at Bishop Gorman or arrived at Penn State, his most important lessons came from home.Raised by a single mother who worked long hours in a predominantly male field, Carnell watched her lead through discipline, respect, resilience and an unwavering belief that no goal was out of reach. She became his first mentor, his greatest influence and the example behind the work ethic he now carries into Penn State Football.In this player profile, Carnell discusses learning football later than most players, struggling with anxiety and identity in high school, overcoming a torn labrum, following Coach Deion Barnes to Penn State and pursuing his goal of becoming elite at the sport he once walked away from.He also shares the standards his mother taught him, his excitement for playing inside Beaver Stadium and the mentality he hopes to bring to the Nittany Lions’ defensive line.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Meet Alijah Carnell00:59 From Basketball to Defensive Tackle01:22 His Mom’s Influence02:09 Battling Anxiety02:42 Learning Through Adversity03:16 Life at Bishop Gorman04:04 Why He Wanted to Come to Penn State04:28 Biggest Adjustment to Happy Valley04:53 Life Beyond Football05:22 Ready for Beaver StadiumFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #CollegeFootball

Meet Penn State offensive tackle Malachi Goodman as he shares the journey that's shaped him both on and off the field.From growing up in New Jersey as an only child to earning his first college offer, Goodman reflects on the people who helped him along the way—including his mom, his faith, and the coaches who challenged him to find his competitive edge.He also opens up about why Penn State felt like home, the culture inside the Nittany Lions program, why teammates call him "Big Smiley," and the legacy he hopes to leave in Happy Valley.Presented by: PAM Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Growing Up in New Jersey00:42 Faith, Family & Biggest Influences01:22 Loving the Physical Side of Football02:41 First College Offer03:14 Choosing Penn State03:48 The Brotherhood at Penn State04:14 Why He's Called "Big Smiley"04:22 Malachi Demonstrates Bird Calls04:54 The Legacy He Wants to LeaveFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #collegefootball

Penn State defensive end Ikenna Ezeogu opens up about the journey that brought him to Happy Valley—from growing up around Kansas City to earning his first scholarship offer at Iowa State, following Coach Campbell to Penn State, and discovering a true love for football only after reaching the college level.Ezeogu shares the lessons his parents taught him, why talent alone wasn't enough, what made Penn State the right fit, his unique transfer portal experience that included a trip to Nigeria, and why he hopes fans remember him as both a relentless competitor and an even better person.Presented by: PAM Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:0:00 Meet Ikenna Ezeogu0:30 Growing Up Around Kansas City1:05 Falling in Love with Football2:05 Learning Talent Isn't Enough3:00 Why Penn State Was the Right Choice3:20 A Transfer Journey Through Nigeria4:00 Adjusting to Big Ten Football4:45 The 270-Pound Dirt Bike Rider5:20 The Legacy He Wants to LeaveFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #CollegeFootball

Ben Brahmer's football journey started in Pierce, Nebraska—a town of just 1,800 people. After winning two state championships and developing under coaches he trusted, Brahmer made one of the biggest decisions of his career by following that coaching staff to Penn State.
In this Penn State Athletics feature, Brahmer shares what growing up in small-town Nebraska taught him about hard work, why his family shaped who he is, what made Penn State feel like home, and why he's excited to experience Beaver Stadium for the first time.
Hear how the tight end built his game through discipline, faith, family, and a blue-collar mindset that's a natural fit for Penn State Football.
Presented by: PAM Health - https://pamhealth.com/
Chapters:
00:00 Small-Town Nebraska Roots
00:18 Family That Built His Work Ethic
00:33 Dreaming of Football
00:42 Winning State Championships
01:07 The Coach Who Changed Everything
01:22 Following His Coaches
01:42 Why Penn State Was the Right Choice
02:15 Why Penn State Fits Him
02:27 Adjusting to a New Team
02:44 Leading by Example
02:55 Golf, Fishing & Life Off the Field
03:01 Faith, Family & Staying Grounded
03:15 Ready for Beaver Stadium
#PennState #WeAre #CollegeFootball
Tags - Penn State Football, Penn State, Ben Brahmer, Ben Brahmer interview, Penn State Athletics, Nittany Lions, James Franklin, Penn State tight end, College Football, Big Ten Football, Nebraska football, Pierce Nebraska, Football interview, NCAA Football, Tight End, Beaver Stadium, Happy Valley, Penn State players, We Are Penn State, College athlete interview, Blue Collar Football, Penn State 2026, Football recruiting, Athlete story, Penn State offense

Owen Alicience didn’t begin playing football until he was 16 years old. Before becoming a Penn State offensive lineman, he was a hockey player who thought his high school coach was joking when he predicted that football could take him to the Division I level.His introduction to the sport was anything but easy. Alicience entered his first fall camp with no previous football experience, then faced two four-star edge rushers in the first game of his career. He survived the early adversity, fell in love with the process of improving and committed himself completely to the game.That commitment included transforming his body from approximately 220 pounds when he started playing to more than 300 pounds as a college offensive lineman.In this Penn State player profile, Alicience discusses the influence of his parents, the coach who recognized his potential, his rapid introduction to football, the challenge of gaining weight, his first experience inside Beaver Stadium and why Penn State’s culture felt like the right fit.He also explains how being overlooked continues to motivate him as he works to take advantage of an opportunity he once never imagined was possible.Subscribe for more Penn State Football player profiles, behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive Nittany Lions content.Presented by PAM Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Meet Owen Alicience00:22 Starting Football at 1600:48 Brutal First Fall Camp01:03 Facing Two Four-Star Edge Rushers01:44 The Coach Who Changed His Journey02:12 Going From 220 to 310 Pounds02:39 First Penn State Visit03:01 Experiencing the Beaver Stadium White Out03:31 The Penn State Family Is Everywhere03:49 Fishing, Hunting and Golf04:06 Underdog MentalityFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#PennStateFootball #WeAre #CollegeFootball

Penn State tight end Gabe Burkle shares his football journey from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Happy Valley, reflecting on the family members who shaped his career, why following his coaches to Penn State mattered so much, and what it's like preparing to play in front of more than 100,000 fans at Beaver Stadium.
Burkle discusses growing up in Iowa, his father's football influence, memorable high school moments, transferring to Penn State, adjusting to one of college football's biggest environments, his competitive side away from football, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming season.
Presented by: Pam Health - https://pamhealth.com/
Chapters:
00:00 Meet Gabe Burkle
00:08 Growing Up in Iowa
00:29 Following His Father's Football Path
00:49 So Big He Was Prohibited From Tackling
01:03 Favorite High School Football Memories
01:17 Why He Chose Penn State
02:28 How Teammates Describe Him
02:33 Cornhole & Spikeball Competition
02:50 Golf, TV Shows & Life Away From Football
03:06 Best Golfers on Penn State
03:29 Excitement for Beaver Stadium
FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:
► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠
► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠
► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠
► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠
► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272
#PennState #WeAre #CollegeFootball
Tags - Penn State Football, Penn State, Nittany Lions, Gabe Burkle, Penn State Tight End, College Football, Big Ten Football, Beaver Stadium, Happy Valley, James Franklin, Penn State Interview, Penn State Athletics, Tight End, Iowa State Football, College Football Interview, NCAA Football, Penn State Fans, We Are, Football Player Interview, Penn State 2026

Penn State defensive end Mason Robinson sits down to share the story behind his football journey—from growing up in Maryland and learning from his former NFL father to earning the chance to play football with one unforgettable challenge.Mason talks about the push-up test that started it all, the biggest influences in his life, his memorable blocked punt in high school, competing alongside future college and NFL talent, choosing Penn State, and why he believes in always betting on himself.Beyond football, Mason explains how he wants to be remembered—not just as a player, but as someone who made people smile and brought positivity to those around him.Presented by: Pam Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Meet Mason Robinson00:33 Why His NFL Dad Said No to Football01:05 How Impactful His Father Has Been02:19 The Wildest Blocked Punt Story03:16 Lessons From His Dad03:58 Betting On Himself04:53 Why He Chose Penn State05:35 The Legacy He Wants to LeaveFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #happyvalley

The Penn State defensive tackle opens up about growing up in Washington, D.C., the family members who shaped him, the hilarious story of hiding under a tree during his first football practices, earning his first college offer before he even understood recruiting, and why James Franklin ultimately convinced him that Happy Valley was home.Cook also discusses overcoming self-doubt, transforming from a 250-pound defensive end into a Big Ten defensive tackle, and the emotional moment that confirmed Penn State was where he belonged.Presented by: Pam Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Meet De’Andre Cook00:18 The Family That Built Him00:36 How Football Entered His Life00:57 The Hilarious Pee-Wee Story01:22 High School Football Memories01:44 Coach Lojo Changed Everything02:08 His First College Offer02:41 Overcoming Self-Doubt03:22 Why He Chose Penn State04:03 The Emotional Beaver Stadium Moment04:20 Biggest College Adjustment04:49 Growing Under Penn State Coaches05:18 How He Wants Fans to Remember HimFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #happyvalley #pennstatefootball #nittanylions #jamesfranklin #bigtenfootball #pennstatedefensivetackle #deandrecookpennstate #pennstaterecruiting #pennstateinterview #footballrecruiting #WashingtonDCfootball #ncaafootball #collegeathlete #playerprofile #pennstateathletics #nittanylionsfootball

Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp break down why the Nittany Lions feel completely different heading into 2026, discuss Matt Campbell's growing impact on the program, and explain the biggest unknown that could determine Penn State's season.Plus, exclusive interviews with defensive ends Max Granville and Yvan Kemajou as they discuss offseason development, the new defensive scheme, team chemistry, overcoming adversity, and preparing for Big Ten football.The episode also features an all-time Penn State 7-on-7 draft featuring legends from the modern era, plus thoughts on NCAA Tournament expansion and what it means for college sports.Presented by: Pam Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 State Wide Intro02:07 New Coaches and Roster Expectations03:05 Slow Part of the Year04:27 The Biggest Unknown05:50 Why Change Feels Different07:03 Why This Team Could Surprise Everyone08:13 New Energy Around Penn State09:49 The Perfect Analogy10:23 Living in a New Era11:46 Matt Campbell's Honest Approach14:08 Biggest Known vs Biggest Unknown20:53 Max Granville & Yvan Kemajou Join25:15 Granville on Injury, Faith & Growth26:23 Kemajou's Freshman Experience28:21 Hidden Talents & Rubik's Cubes31:37 All-Time Penn State 7-on-7 Draft46:15 NCAA Tournament Expansion DebateFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #happyvalley

From the Bronx to Happy Valley, Ty Blanding's journey to Penn State is built on perseverance, family, and proving people wrong.In this exclusive interview, Ty talks about growing up in New York City, overcoming stereotypes about football players from the Bronx, the influence of his grandmother, why Penn State felt like home, and what excites him most about the upcoming season.He also shares some fun facts—including being one of the pickiest eaters you'll ever meet—and explains why the culture inside Penn State football stands out from everywhere else.Sponsored by: PAM Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Meet Ty Blanding00:16 Growing Up in the Bronx00:34 The Grandmother Who Inspired Him01:10 First Football Memories01:31 Falling in Love with Football02:04 The Rivalry Win He'll Never Forget02:12 Getting Recruited From New York02:35 NYC Football Stereotype03:16 Finding a New Home in Happy Valley03:56 Steaks Only04:33 Life Beyond Football04:50 Penn State's Road Back to the Top05:03 Building Team ChemistryFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #happyvalley