Max Granville’s Grity Comeback Playbook
Redshirt sophomore defensive end Max Granville sat out the 2025 season after a training mishap in Texas but has fully rehabbed his prior lower-body injury and is eyeing a fall return. He’s been limited this spring due to a minor back issue but credits the new Penn State staff—particularly DC D’Anton Lynn—for his recovery progress under improved rehab protocols. Granville reclassified out of high school, played seven freshman games, and even stepped up in the 2024 Fiesta Bowl. Though tempted by other programs when Franklin left, Granville opted to stay, impressed by Lynn’s scheme and culture shift under Matt Campbell.
Max’s journey from “oops wrong cleat” to rehab hero reads like a motivational poster that accidentally fell into a motivational poster factory. Between heartfelt locker-room speeches on the virtues of the wrong cleat and casting wistful glances at practice turf, he’s practically Penn State’s patron saint of “still got something in the tank.” D’Anton Lynn’s scheme? More like a masterclass in convincing injured players that bench-warming is the new flex. If Granville’s next big play is rolling out of bed without groaning, we’ll call it a triumph.
Where Will the Nittany Lions Land in 2026?
Penn State could send up to nine players to the 2026 NFL Draft, headlined by left guard Olaivavega Ioane—likely a mid-first-round pick. Edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton should land in Round 2, while running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton are projected as Day 3 selections, with Singleton slipping slightly due to an offseason injury. Quarterback Drew Allar remains the draft’s most intriguing prospect, best served by a possible reset under Sean McVay in Los Angeles. Safety Zakee Wheatley profiles as a third-round choice for the Eagles, and later-round sleepers include tackle Nolan Rucci and blocking tight end Khalil Dinkins.
If NFL teams treated mock drafts like dating profiles, Penn State’s would read: “Looking for long-term commitment (10 seasons!), great blocking skills, occasional pancake action, and zero off-field drama. Olaivavega Ioane even brings his own pancakes!” Meanwhile, Allen and Singleton are in a roommate draft war, each swiping right on the hopes of being a third-day pick. And Allar? He’s that enigmatic reality-show contestant everyone swears is top-10 material until waiver claims start trickling in. Want to bet on an edge rusher named after a cheese? Dennis-Sutton’s your man.
Ex-Lions Return to the Draft Stage
Four former Penn State standouts—Matt Millen, Shane Conlan, Paul Posluszny and Joey Porter Jr.—will announce NFL Draft picks in Rounds 2 and 3 at the 2026 event in Pittsburgh. Millen (Raiders), Conlan (Bills), Posluszny (Jaguars) and Porter (Steelers) will represent their former teams, adding Nittany Lion flair to the selection parties. Their appearance underscores Penn State’s strong draft presence, with up to 10 current Lions possibly picked. The weekend also features other alumni like Tony Dorsett, Jerome Bettis, Ronde Barber and Calvin Johnson.
Imagine the NFL Draft as a high-school reunion where the cool kids get handed microphones. That’s right: Millen, Conlan, Posluszny and Porter Jr. will parade onto the stage like honorary DJ’s at a frat party, ready to drop picks instead of beats. Meanwhile, fans will be frantically Googling “Which one was the guy with four rings?” as the alumni spill secrets only former linebackers could share. It’s less “Who’s on first?” and more “Who gets the first shout-out?” Spoiler: it’s always the guy in the Penn State jacket.

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