Penn State football secured recognition with six players named to various preseason watch lists. Notable inclusions are quarterback Rocco Becht on the Davey O鈥橞rien Award list and defensive tackle Siale Taupaki for the Polynesian Player of the Year. Additionally, three players鈥攕afety Jeremiah Cooper, defensive end Max Granville, and linebacker Tony Rojas鈥攚ere recognized for the Comeback Player of the Year award. These accolades reflect individual achievements and hopeful contributions as the season approaches.

By the Numbers
  • Rocco Becht ranks Top 10 in Iowa State history with 64 career passing touchdowns and 9,274 career passing yards.
  • Jeremiah Cooper, in 2025, recorded nine tackles and had three pass breakups before an injury ended his season.
Yes, But

While these recognitions are significant, they also come with pressure. Each player's performance needs to consistently meet high expectations set by their accolades to maintain their watch list status.

State of Play
  • The Nittany Lions boast multiple players on major award watch lists, indicating high potential for the upcoming season.
  • The competition for these awards is fierce, increasing the stakes for Penn State players as they seek to prove themselves.
What's Next

The release of midseason watch lists will occur on November 3, with semifinalists and finalists being announced throughout the following weeks. These milestones will help gauge how players like Becht and Cooper adapt during the season.

Bottom Line

Penn State's six players on preseason watch lists highlight the team's depth and talent as they strive for a successful season, but individual success must translate into heightened team performance to achieve their collective goals.