The Penn State Nittany Lions will look like a wholly new football team when they take to the field this season. That's why this year, it will be highly imperative for Penn State fans to get to know some of their new stars at the spring game. While several, including potential starting QB Rocco Becht, will be sidelined, some will be looking to make big impressions on the coaching staff to earn more playing time. Some may even be true freshmen looking for their turn in the spotlight. Here are five names to know ahead of the traditional Blue and White game.

James Peoples may be one of the Nittany Lions' most intriguing recruits, not only because he has no Iowa State connections, but because he comes from Penn State's biggest rival in Ohio State. In a crowded running back room, Peoples could potentially see a lot of reps in late down situations. However, head coach Matt Campbell has appreciated his burst and quickness in the open field and could see him as an asset in the passing game. Paired with Iowa State's leading rusher from last year in Carson Hansen, they could form an underrated duo in Big Ten play.

One of the early enrollees in Penn State's Class of 2026, Jackson Ford could prove to be the prime jewel of the bunch. Coming from Malvern, Pa., Ford could continue the homegrown pipeline of talent and lend a unique blend of size and strength off the edge. Defensive end has always been a position of pride over the years for the Blue and White, and Ford could end up being the next big star, with early plaudits already coming out of Happy Valley.

Penn State has recently been hailed as one of college football's "LBUs", being able to rely on a stalwart group of linebackers. Now, the room will get a little bit more Iowa State flair in it, with three new linebackers form the Cyclones coming to Happy Valley. Kooper Ebel may be the best of the bunch. Along with Penn State's most important returning talent in Tony Rojas, Ebel will add a veteran presence in the middle of the defense for the Nittany Lions. His 2025 season in Ames, where he logged 77 total tackles, showed off his versatility and leadership. Look for the senior to have a massive year in State College.

For many Penn State fans, this may not be the transfer QB they want to see. However, with both Rocco Becht and Alex Manske on the sidelines, it will be the former D-III man at the helm of the Penn State offense for the time being. While Penn State fans may not see a lot of Barry in his Penn State career, they are getting an experienced QB with impressive arm strength and program records in the D-III ranks, including an undefeated record last year with Christopher Newport.

With fellow Iowa State transfer Chase Sowell sidelined with injury, Brett Eskildsen will be the most intriguing wide receiver prospect on the field. For a program that has struggled to find elite talent at the position, Penn State fans will hope that a player like Eskildsen, who has flashed his deep threat potential, will bolster the position group. His 17.5 yards per catch showcased his elite game-breaking speed and the ability to maintain a connection with Becht. He will be squarely in the limelight come the Blue and White game, should Sowell still be unable to go.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: 5 newcomers to watch in Penn State Blue-White Game