Penn State football will have a completely overhauled roster to get to know in 2026 under new head coach Matt Campbell. Following one of the most active offseasons in recent memory for Penn State with a flurry of activity in the transfer portal, fans will have a lot of catching up to do in getting to know this year’s Penn State roster. Fortunately, not every face will be brand new to fans. Regardless, we will be here to give you a fresh overview of every player on the roster for the 2026 season with a series of player profiles.
From all of the returning players, a long list of new faces from the transfer portal, and incoming recruits from the Class of 2026, we will have you covered with this year’s player profiles for the Penn State roster. Here is a quick look at kicker Cristiano Rosa for the 2026 season.
Preseason Player Profile
- Hometown: Shelton, Connecticut
- Height: 5-11
- Weight: 208
- Class in 2026: Redshirt Senior
Recruiting Rankings
Class of 2022: Unranked recruit
Cristiano Rosa started his collegiate career at FC with Central Connecticut State before transferring to James Madison, where he earned Penn State’s attention as a kickoff specialist.
Career Stats
Cristiano Rosa has 159 total kickoffs throughout his career for a total of 10,077 yards across all of them. He has recorded a 71.7% touchback percentage as well. Interestingly enough, he has only attempted 4 field goals in his entire career and four extra points. He went 2/4 on his field goals with a long of 40 and 3/4 on PATs.
Depth Chart Overview
Cristiano Rosa has developed into one of college football’s most efficient kickoff specialists in college football throughout his career. After losing kickoff specialist phenom Gabe Nwosu, Rosa will look to be the perfect replacement. However, placekicking duties will be left in the hands of redshirt junior Ryan Barker.
Random Fact
Cristiano Rosa had initially grown up playing soccer and started kicking footballs in high school.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Previewing the 2026 season for Penn State K Cristiano Rosa
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