{
  "id": 1793196,
  "title": "Penn State Top 25 players for 2026: Andrew Rappleyea",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/penn-state-top-25-players-for-2026-andrew-rappleyea",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T20:21:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/penn-state-top-25-players-202159452.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the upcoming 2026 season, Penn State's roster undergoes a significant overhaul following a coaching change and numerous transfers. Among the 25 players making a notable impact, tight end Andrew Rappleyea stands out as a key player. After missing the 2024 season due to injury, Rappleyea showcased his talent in 2025, catching 20 passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games, including a pivotal 11-yard touchdown in the Pinstripe Bowl. The tight end position, historically strong for Penn State, is now under new management, with three transfer portal additions - Benjamin Brahmer, Gabe Burkle, and Rappleyea himself. For Rappleyea to have a successful season, he needs to replicate his 2025 performance, catching 30 passes for a few hundred yards and touchdowns. A failure to do so might be considered a disappointment, but it does not necessarily mean the offense will suffer, as Brahmer could step up as a primary target. Realistically, Rappleyea is expected to be a consistent contributor throughout the season, likely ranking among the top-five receivers on the team.",
  "summary": "Penn State tight end Andrew Rappleyea could be preparing for a breakout redshirt junior season in Happy Valley.",
  "key_points": [
    "Penn State's 2026 roster undergoes significant overhaul",
    "Tight end Andrew Rappleyea key player after injury missed 2024",
    "Rappleyea caught 20 passes for 180 yards and 3 TDs in 2025"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}