Penn State football is stepping into a new era with head coach Matt Campbell at the helm. The Nittany Lions are gearing up for the 2026 season opener against Marshall, and there’s a lot of buzz about the changes on the staff and roster.
With the team expected to land inside the Top 25, fans can’t help but count down the days. Let’s talk about former team captain Michal Menet, who wore No. 62 and left a mark on Penn State’s recent history.
Michal Menet: Path to Penn State
Michal Menet started his journey at Exeter Township High School in Reading, Pennsylvania. 247Sports rated him as a five-star prospect and the top interior lineman in the 2016 class.
He drew offers from big-name programs like Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State. That’s a recruiting list anyone would envy.
High School Accomplishments
Menet earned all-state honors three years in a row and landed a spot in the 2016 Under Armour All-America Game. He played on both sides of the ball, piling up 220 tackles and 25 sacks over three seasons.
Penn State offered him a scholarship early in his sophomore year, back in fall 2013. That early offer gave the Nittany Lions a real edge in his recruitment.
Happy Valley Highlights
After redshirting as a true freshman, Menet started making an impact on the field. In 2017, he played in 12 games as a reserve before stepping in as the starting center in 2018.
This move let Connor McGovern, who later joined the Dallas Cowboys, shift over to right guard. The offensive line started to gel with Menet in the mix.
Leadership and Performance
Menet’s presence was felt on and off the field. He helped pave the way for All-Big Ten running back Miles Sanders in 2018 and showed serious leadership skills.
Named a team captain in 2019, Menet started all 13 games, earned All-Big Ten honorable mention, and helped the team set a program record with 396 rushing yards in the Cotton Bowl. That’s a stat line that stands out.
Consistency and Resilience
In 2020, Menet was chosen as team captain again, bringing stability during a tough year full of COVID-19 protocols. Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein often praised Menet’s understanding of the game plan and his knack for getting teammates to study film with him.
His leadership helped the offensive line and the offense as a whole grow. Sometimes, you just need that steady hand in the room.
Beyond College
Menet could’ve stayed at Penn State thanks to the NCAA’s COVID eligibility pause, but he decided to go pro after his fifth season. The Arizona Cardinals picked him 247th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
It’s kind of wild—his Penn State teammates Shaka Toney and Will Fries were drafted right before and after him. That doesn’t happen every day.
Professional Journey
The Cardinals released Menet before the 2021 regular season, but he stuck around on their practice squad. Later that year, the Green Bay Packers picked him up for their practice squad, and he stayed with them through the 2022 preseason.
He played for the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons in spring 2023, then spent preseason camp with the Atlanta Falcons over the summer. It’s been a winding road, but he’s kept at it.
Family Ties
Menet’s Penn State connection isn’t over. His brother, Joey Schlaffer, signed with the Nittany Lions’ 2023 recruiting class after playing tight end at Exeter Township, just like Michal.
Joey transferred to Temple last winter after three seasons with Penn State. Football clearly runs in the family, but sometimes the journey takes a few unexpected turns.
Previous Numbers in the Countdown
The Countdown to Kickoff series has featured plenty of notable players. Each wore numbers matching the days left until the season opener.
- 63 – Offensive lineman Joe Iorio
- 64 – Offensive lineman John Urschel
- 65 – Offensive lineman Miles Dieffenbach
- 66 – Offensive lineman Will Tompkins
- 67 – Offensive lineman Kareem McKenzie
- 68 – Offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh
- 69 – Defensive lineman Floyd Wedderburn
- 70 – Offensive lineman Trevor Buhr
- 71 – Offensive lineman Garrett Sexton
- 72 – Offensive lineman Tyshon Huff
- 73 – Defensive lineman Caleb Brewer
- 74 – Offensive lineman Kuol Kuol II
- 75 – Offensive lineman Eric Shrive
- 76 – Defensive lineman Steve Smear
- 77 – Offensive lineman Owen Aliciene
- 78 – Offensive lineman Malachi Goodman
- 79 – Offensive lineman Donnie Harbor
- 80 – Tight end Cooper Alexander
- 81 – Receiver Ben Whitver
- 82 – Receiver Ethan Black
- 83 – Tight end Brian Kortovich
- 84 – Tight end Gabe Burkle
- 85 – Defensive lineman Ollie Ogbu
- 86 – Tight end Brenton Strange
- 87 – Tight end Andrew Rappleyea
- 88 – Defensive end Ike Ezeogu
- 89 – Defensive end Jackson Ford
- 90 – Defensive lineman Liam Andrews
- 91 – Defensive lineman Armstrong Nnodim
- 92 – Defensive lineman Siale Taupaki
- 93 – Defensive lineman Brandon Noble
- 94 – Kicker Ryan Barker
- 95 – Kickoff specialist Cristiano Rosa
- 96 – Defensive lineman Immanuel Iyke
- 97 – Defensive lineman Keanu Williams
- 98 – Kicker Matthew Parker
- 99 – Defensive end Yvan Kemajou
- 100 – Nittany Lions on the rise entering summer
Penn State is already looking ahead to the 2026 season. The dedication and talent of players like Michal Menet really stick with you.
If you want more on Menet’s story or other Countdown to Kickoff features, check out 247Sports.
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