Phil Trautwein arrived at Penn State in 2020 with a clear goal: rebuild the offensive line into one of the nation’s most reliable units. Five seasons later, his efforts have played a pivotal role in the program’s rise to national prominence.
Since his hiring, Penn State has reduced sacks, boosted its run game, and consistently developed linemen into NFL prospects. The improvement reflects not only upgraded recruiting and scheme adjustments, but also the technique, intensity, and standard Trautwein enforces in the trenches.
Trautwein Took Over a Line in Transition
Before Trautwein stepped in, the Nittany Lions struggled with consistency up front. Under former coach Matt Limegrover in 2018 and 2019, Penn State allowed 31 and 32 sacks, respectively. Despite strong skill players, the offensive line struggled to control the line of scrimmage or protect the quarterback effectively.
We spoke to former Nittany Lion offensive tackle and the top-rated recruit in Penn State’s 2021 recruiting class, Landon Tengwall, to understand how the culture began to shift.
“The OL room was in a rough place when Traut arrived, but he made it the best position group on the Penn State roster,” Tengwall said. “He set the standard, and we only had the option to try to reach that standard. He’s made that room do a 180, and I couldn’t have been more proud to be a part of that.”
Head coach James Franklin brought in Trautwein following a successful stint at Boston College, where he developed all-conference linemen. A two-time national champion and first-team All-SEC selection at Florida, Trautwein brought firsthand experience and credibility. He immediately implemented a fundamentals-first approach, emphasizing pad level, footwork, and physical toughness.
“He was always incredibly detailed,” Tengwall said. “He made me detailed in everything I do, and that carried over into life after football too.”
Sack Numbers Improved Significantly
In 2020, the Lions gave up 28 sacks over nine games. Although the rate remained high, the line began to show better structure and communication under Trautwein. The following year, the unit allowed 34 sacks as it continued to adjust to new protections and system demands. By 2022, however, pass protection became a strength. Penn State surrendered just 21 sacks that season, then followed it with only 16 in 2023 and 20 in 2024. The cleaner pockets helped stabilize the offense during a period of change at both quarterback and coordinator.
“We had a couple games where the defense ran multiple complex blitzes, and we picked them all up perfectly as an OL,” Tengwall recalled. “It was vs. Rutgers in 2021. I realized all the preparation he had us do prepared us for those moments when we faced complex defenses.”
Ground Game Gained Momentum
The run game also improved under Trautwein. After rushing for only 1,402 yards in 2021, Penn State bounced back with 2,354 yards in 2022. That resurgence continued through 2024, when the team totaled 3,237 yards on the ground. Running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton each surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in 2024, behind an offensive line that consistently opened lanes and controlled tempo. Interior linemen handled stunts and blitzes more effectively, while the tackles sealed the edge and protected the backfield.
Year-by-Year Performance Trends
Penn State’s progress up front under Trautwein shows in the numbers:
Development Produced Results
Several linemen who trained under Trautwein have reached the NFL. Rasheed Walker earned a starting role with the Green Bay Packers. Juice Scruggs became a draft pick for the Houston Texans. Olu Fashanu turned into a first-round selection by the New York Jets in 2024 and received All-American recognition.
The 2025 offensive line room may be the deepest in Trautwein’s tenure. Projected starters include Drew Shelton, Vega Ioane, Nick Dawkins, Cooper Cousins, and Nolan Rucci. Key depth pieces poised to step into major roles include J’ven Williams, Anthony Donkoh, who began 2024 as the starting right tackle before injury, Texas A&M transfer TJ Shanahan, Alex Birchmeier, Chimdy Onoh, and Garrett Sexton.
Recruiting Jumped Under Trautwein
Since 2020, Penn State’s offensive line recruiting has reached a new level. The staff secured commitments from top-rated prospects such as Williams, Birchmeier, Cousins, Shanahan, and Sexton. Trautwein’s player development and communication skills helped seal deals across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas, and beyond.
Trautwein’s strong resume, attention to detail, and the visible growth of Penn State linemen are all surefire reasons that top-tier recruits continue joining the program.
The Foundation Is Built for 2025 and Beyond
Penn State enters 2025 with strong momentum and expectations. The Nittany Lions return key starters, welcome elite recruits, and benefit from continuity across the coaching staff. The offensive line stands as the program’s most consistent group, and Trautwein’s influence continues to shape its identity.
“Coach T was everything for me,” Tengwall said. “He changed my life. He made me a better man, not just a better player. Nobody knows he’s the hardest-working man in that entire football building. He’s the most detail-oriented coach I’ve ever had — he goes above and beyond for the OL. He stays in there till midnight writing notes for the entire OL and telling you every little thing you can get better at.”
Even amid injuries and adversity, Tengwall said Trautwein never stopped investing in his players. “Even when I was at my lowest, he was there building me up,” he said. “That’s rare.”
As the Big Ten expands and the path to the playoff grows more competitive, Penn State’s physical edge starts where it always should: up front.
Main Image: Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK
