In college football, more now than ever, programs are hoping freshmen can make an impact as soon as they touch down on campus. Some freshmen have flourished in that role, and others have been set up for failure. The USC Trojans, an opponent of Penn State this season, are hoping that PSU’s choice to start a redshirt freshman at tackle will give them an advantage.
In a recent article, Matt De Lima analyzes Penn State’s decision to allow an underclassman to start at tackle. Here is Lima’s coverage on Malachi Goodman:
“The Paramus, N.J. native was featured in a Tom Brady-backed Paramount+ documentary tracking top Big Ten recruits during their first college season. His next live game snap will be his first, having redshirted in 2025, but offensive line coach Ryan Clanton said this spring that Goodman physically put his hand through his chest during a drill.
“You forget how young he is,” Clanton said. Penn State lost fourth-round pick Drew Shelton at left tackle, and Goodman is being handed that starting job as a redshirt freshman.”
The Trojans can not overlook Penn State and their offensive line, even with a younger starter at a pivotal position this season. It appears that the Nittany Lions could have one of the best underclassmen in the country protecting Rocco Becht’s blindside. Gary Patterson’s expertise and experience could be a factor that goes in favor of the Trojans in this game.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Penn State will have freshman starting tackle against USC in 2026
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Micah Huff, Trojans Wire | USA TODAY Network
