Unveiling the Future: 5 Critical Storylines to Watch in Penn State's Blue-White Game

As we gear up for one of the most intriguing Blue-White Games in recent memory, Penn State’s football program stands at the precipice of what could be a transformative era. Saturday’s scrimmage isn’t just a casual end-of-spring practice; it’s a litmus test for a team with high expectations. With the ongoing construction at Beaver Stadium creating a unique environment, and the potential absence of key figures due to a mix of precaution, injuries, and the ever-looming transfer portal, this game will be a showcase for the new blood and the unproven. Here’s what I’m most excited to dive into:

– Wide Receivers Ready for the Spotlight?: There’s no sugar-coating it, Penn State needs its wide receiver corps to shine this season. With fresh faces from transfers and true freshmen, can anyone step up to prove they’re ready for Big Ten matchups? This game will give us our first real glimpse into that possibility.

– Backup QB Battle: Ethan vs. Jaxon: If there’s one position that could see unexpected action, it’s quarterback. Drew Allar’s potential NFL draft stock makes this backup QB competition between Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik a must-watch. Who will rise to the occasion?

– Running Back Congestion: The running back room is as crowded as a New Year’s Eve subway car. With talented backups vying for the spot, this game could define their future with the Lions.

– Emerging Defensive Stars? Don’t sleep on the young guns in the secondary and the defensive line looking to fill big shoes. DeJuan Lane, Daryus Dixson, and others might be the next big thing in Penn State’s defense.

– Filling Defensive Voids: From linebacker to the defensive line, the season ahead leaves room for heroes to emerge. Keep an eye on guys like Max Granville, Xavier Gilliam, and yes, even the young phenom LaVar Arrington II.

The game might be unconventional, without halftime or even the full stadium experience, but the stakes couldn’t be higher or more interesting. Can Penn State unlock its potential and set the stage for a memorable 2025 season? I can’t wait to find out.

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• Key position battles to watch in the Blue-White Game: wide receiver, running back and along the defensive line.
• The backup quarterback competition between Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik is crucial behind senior Drew Allar’s potential.
• The defense needs to fill holes at safety, defensive tackle, and defensive end, providing opportunities for young players to step up.

Another critical audition opportunity at linebacker, defensive tackle and defensive end.Still, there will be plenty to watch and evaluate Saturday, just with a different twist. Here are five storylines to follow:All eyes will be on the newest additions first, the transfers (Devonte Ross, Kyron Hudson) and the true freshmen (Koby Howard, Matthew Outten, Lyrick Samuel). It certainly will be a talking point if Ross, for example, shows impressive speed and moves after the catch, reminiscent of former Lions KJ Hamler, no matter that it’s coming against teammates and career-backups.While Lane filled in, in part, for injured KJ Winston last season, the super-talented true freshman wasn’t able to earn a big role, as some had hoped. How ready is he now? Certainly, the Lions need someone to step up as a starter alongside Zakee Wheatley in new coordinator Jim Knowles’ defense − one that prefers to use more defensive backs than linebackers.Two names to watch on Saturday: safety DeJuan Lane and cornerback Daryus Dixson.

Penn State football: Which wide receivers look the part in 2025?

The on-field festivities also will be shorter than usual (no halftime, a running clock) and may, at times, resemble more drill work than an actual game. And the atmosphere may seem surreal with the entire West side of the stadium off-limits because of the 0 million renovation project.The defensive line, in particular, will not employ the superlative depth and experience of recent seasons. Rather, young, edge rushers and tackles, such as Max Granville and Xavier Gilliam, will be counted on as first-year starters, or at least, regular contributors.There are a lot of moving parts for this top-five football program heading into this Blue-White Game.

Penn State football will end the spring portion of its most anticipated, high-expectation season-to-come on Saturday in the construction zone known as West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium.

The backup quarterback: Ethan Grunkemeyer vs. Jaxon Smolik

How many are willing to wait another year behind All-America candidates Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen?There are also guys who hope to break through after a redshirt season (Tyseer Denmark, Josiah Brown) or an injury (Kaden Saunders, Peter Gonzalez) or, simply enough, as a senior leader (Liam Clifford).The Penn State running back roster could be in flux with five scholarship players competing for just one meaningful backup spot.

If no one leaves this week in the transfer portal it will be a crowded race for that coveted No. 3 spot. Saturday’s audition will include redshirt freshmen Quinton Martin, Jr. and Corey Smith and a trending rookie, Pittsburgh’s Tikey Hayes.Saturday should showcase the two main contenders − redshirt freshman and national recruit Ethan Grunkemeyer and redshirt sophomore Jaxon Smolik, who’s coming off a long injury rehab.

A crowded running back room

They are the early headliners of untested groups that will get plenty of work Saturday.Penn State needs a new starting safety and can always use another standout cornerback, it seems.Martin came with the most recruiting hype but struggled with injuries last year. A big proving time for all.

The wide receivers, who struggled the past couple of seasons, are still the biggest question of this team.

Young risers in the Penn State secondary? Watch for DeJuan Lane, Daryus Dixson

Another is LaVar Arrington II, who may push a thin depth chart ahead of his time. He’s already been flashing in spring practices with his elite athleticism at linebacker and rushing the passer.Will anyone look the part of a Big Ten starter now?Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at[email protected] and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.

It’s a similar situation at linebacker, where the Lions need some replacement in the middle for Kobe King. One to watch is junior Keon Wylie, who missed all of last season to injury but was impactful in limiting minutes in 2023.

Plugging holes on defense: Who will step up at linebacker, on defensive line?

How many of the Nittany Lions‘ core group of national championship-hopeful leaders will even be in action? Injuries, caution (established upperclassmen may sit out Blue-White day) and the transfer portal, which closes 12 hours before the scrimmage, expect to make this a showcase for the young and unproven.So forget about Blue-White Game stats for either. Rather, who just looks the part of a Power 4 quarterback in terms of throwing accuracy, confidence and ease of running the team?

Which brings us to the stacked cornerback room. The Lions could lean hard on this group, which could see a boost from rookie Daryus Dixson. The prized recruit could still push for an immediate role in a room that boasts four returning vets.The Lions need a competent, ready-to-play backup quarterback in case of an injury to potential first-round NFL Draft pick Drew Allar.That must be telling enough, for now.Grunkemeyer has thrown two college passes, both in the playoff victory over SMU. Smolik has thrown none.