Penn State's Offensive Line Intends to 'Put on a Show' This Spring

Offensive line coach Ryan Clanton wants the Nittany Lions to "run through somebody's face."

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:05pm

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Penn State's offensive line is undergoing a major overhaul this spring, with four starters departing and seven transfers coming in, including four from Iowa State. Offensive line coach Ryan Clanton, who previously coached at Iowa State, is instilling a 'dog' mentality in his linemen, emphasizing confidence, violence, and a willingness to 'run through somebody's face.' The group is already working past the 'assignment phase' and focusing on mechanics, with veteran guard Cooper Cousins emerging as a vocal leader.

Why it matters

Penn State's offensive line is critical to the team's success, and Clanton's aggressive approach aims to transform the unit into a dominant force. The influx of transfers, combined with Clanton's coaching philosophy, could propel the Nittany Lions' offense to new heights in the upcoming season.

The details

Clanton wants his linemen to be 'hammers' rather than 'human shields,' and he's already seen that mentality in players like Malachi Goodman, who punched Clanton during a drill. The coach is focused on breaking 'bad habits' and ensuring his players fully understand the system, rather than just memorizing their responsibilities. Penn State is rotating players through different positions to develop well-rounded linemen, and Clanton is emphasizing the importance of making 'business decisions' when it comes to blocking.

  • Penn State is two practices into spring ball.

The players

Ryan Clanton

Penn State's offensive line coach, who previously coached at Iowa State and is instilling an aggressive 'dog' mentality in his linemen.

Malachi Goodman

A 331-pound offensive tackle for Penn State who punched Clanton during a drill, demonstrating the physicality the coach is looking for.

Cooper Cousins

A junior guard who is emerging as a vocal leader for the offensive line, helping to teach the new players what it means to play Penn State football.

Tervor Buhr

An Iowa State transfer who is competing for a starting spot on the offensive line.

Brock Riker

A Texas State transfer who is taking most of the snaps at center and impressing Clanton with his quick grasp of the position's intricacies.

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What they’re saying

“I like to play defense so that you can feel the contact and see the communication piece of it. But that didn't feel good. … He put his hands through my heart.”

— Ryan Clanton, Offensive line coach

“If you don't have it, you'd better find it.”

— Ryan Clanton, Offensive line coach

“A big part of it is confidence, and it's our job to get those guys confident, to have that mentality, but you have to be violent. You've got to want to be violent. You've got to want to run through somebody's face.”

— Ryan Clanton, Offensive line coach

“I didn't mean to hurt him.”

— Malachi Goodman

“Getting everybody aligned toward one goal. I think we have a really good group of guys, I think we're ready to make big strides and big steps, and we're ready to go out there and put on a good show.”

— Cooper Cousins, Guard

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.