Breaking Down Penn State’s Special Teams for the 2024 Season

Penn State’s special teams are set to undergo significant changes in the upcoming 2024 season, with new coordinator Justin Lustig at the helm. The position breakdown reveals a mix of returning players, transfers, and incoming freshmen vying for key roles in the Nittany Lions’ special teams unit.

Punter Riley Thompson received an eligibility waiver, granting him two more years at Penn State. With stability at punter, the focus shifts to the place-kicking position, where a three-man competition is underway. Columbia transfer Alex Felkins had a solid season but has graduated, leaving the door open for redshirt junior Sander Sahaydak, redshirt freshman Ryan Barker, and junior transfer Chase Meyer to compete for the starting role.

Coverage and return teams will also see changes, with key players like Malick Meiga and Daequan Hardy moving on. Younger players like Kaden Saunders and Nicholas Singleton will look to make an impact in these roles.

While Thompson and kickoff specialist Gabriel Nwosu provide stability, the placekicking position remains a question mark heading into the season. The competition between Sahaydak, Barker, and Meyer will be closely watched as they battle for the starting job.

With the potential for explosive plays on returns and consistency in the kicking game, Penn State’s special teams have the pieces in place to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. As the team continues to fine-tune its special teams unit through the summer and fall, fans can expect an exciting and competitive group to take the field in 2024.