Iowa State Transfer Brahmer Poised to Lead Penn State Offense

Tight end Ben Brahmer aims to build on his All-Big 12 season and help integrate new players into the Nittany Lions' offense.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:38pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a Penn State football player in mid-catch, with the player's body and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team's navy blue and white colors, conveying the dynamic, multi-faceted nature of the sport.Penn State's new-look offense will lean heavily on the playmaking ability of transfer tight end Ben Brahmer this season.University Park Today

Ben Brahmer, a second-team All-Big 12 tight end last season at Iowa State, has transferred to Penn State and is expected to be a key piece of the Nittany Lions' offense this fall. Brahmer has reunited with offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, who previously coached him at Iowa State, and is using the spring to get acclimated to his new team and help other players learn the new offensive system.

Why it matters

Brahmer's arrival at Penn State is part of a larger influx of transfers from Iowa State, as the Nittany Lions look to rebound from a disappointing season. As an experienced and talented tight end, Brahmer will be counted on to provide leadership and production to help integrate the new players and get the offense back on track.

The details

Brahmer initially committed to play at Nebraska, but when head coach Scott Frost was fired, he ended up at Iowa State, where he thrived under Mouser's coaching. Now, Brahmer is following Mouser to Penn State and is poised to be a focal point of the Nittany Lions' offense. This spring, Brahmer is taking on a leadership role, helping other players learn the new system, while also focusing on improving his own game, particularly as a blocker in the run game.

  • Brahmer transferred to Penn State this offseason after two seasons at Iowa State.
  • Brahmer is participating in spring practice with the Nittany Lions.

The players

Ben Brahmer

A second-team All-Big 12 tight end last season at Iowa State, who has transferred to Penn State to reunite with offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser.

Taylor Mouser

The offensive coordinator at Penn State, who previously held the same role at Iowa State and recruited Brahmer to the Cyclones.

Matt Campbell

The head coach of Penn State, who has praised Brahmer's progress this spring.

Andrew Rappleyea

A Penn State tight end who is currently injured and out for the spring, opening up more opportunities for Brahmer.

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What they’re saying

“Ben has had a really good spring. Honestly this is the first offseason that Ben has truly had during his collegiate career. I think you see it, he's almost 258 right now in terms of body weight. He's as strong and physical as he's been. I really thought, so far, he's had a tremendous spring.”

— Matt Campbell, Head Coach, Penn State

“There was a lot that I challenged him to grow in the run game. There's a lot of opportunity to do things that maybe he wouldn't have gotten. I think when the reps are at a high level, it forces you to put those guys — and we can give different looks — to put those guys in positions to go fail or challenge them mentally where it's not so physical.”

— Taylor Mouser, Offensive Coordinator, Penn State

“It's been really good, helping the guys that stayed here with the new offense. It kind of lets me learn the whole thing over again and know all the exact details. ... Helping guys out learning the playbook and showing them how to do certain techniques in the run game, in the pass game — it's been really fun for me doing that.”

— Ben Brahmer

What’s next

Brahmer and the rest of the Penn State offense will look to put their spring work into practice when the Nittany Lions open their season in the fall.

The takeaway

Brahmer's arrival at Penn State, along with other Iowa State transfers, represents a key part of the Nittany Lions' efforts to rebuild their program and get back on track after a disappointing season. As an experienced and talented tight end, Brahmer will be counted on to provide leadership and production to help integrate the new players and get the offense firing on all cylinders.