Penn State football hosting brother of former Nittany Lion DT

The Penn State football team is hosting a familiar last name this weekend. Chris Tangelo, the brother of ex-Nittany Lion Derrick Tangelo is on campus and was able to compete in the 7v7 drills. As a member of the 2026 recruiting class, Tangelo is looking to pick up a scholarship offer from Penn State. Where his brother’s tie and his skillset might help make that dream a reality.

Penn State football hosting brother of former Nittany Lion DT

According to his profile on Twitter/ X, Chris Tangelo is a 6-4 185-pound wide receiver and cornerback. He is from Montgomery Village, Maryland, and took an unofficial visit to Penn State this weekend. As a member of the 2026 recruiting class, there is plenty of room for wide receivers and cornerbacks. Currently, the Nittany Lions hold one lone commitment in the 2026 cycle in Messiah Mickens. Tangelo doesn’t currently hold a ranking on any major recruiting sites.

📍Will be at Penn state June 9th! pic.twitter.com/rKQOl4WhqN

— Chris Tangelo 2026 (@Chris_Tangelo1) June 7, 2024

However, he certainly made his presence known on the field this weekend. Tangelo posted highlights from the 7v7 drills he competed in and made heads turn with his efforts. He also posted a photo with head coach James Franklin as the rising prospect looks to receive a scholarship offer.

Had a great time at Penn State 7v7 pic.twitter.com/YWHKmAYDFd

— Chris Tangelo 2026 (@Chris_Tangelo1) June 8, 2024

Derrick Tangelo’s time at Penn State

While Derrick Tangelo was only in Happy Valley for one season, he and Arnold Ebiketie will always have a special place in the hearts of Nittany Nation. Both players served major roles during the 2021 season.

He made 12 starts that season and finished with 29 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks from his defensive tackle position. He was able to play in Happy Valley while being labeled as a Senior (+) due to an extra year of eligibility from the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to his Penn State career, he played four seasons at Duke. During his time as a Blue Devil, he accounted for 114 tackles.

Following his career at Penn State, he went on to play for the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL preseason in 2022 until he was ultimately waived. He recently had a stint in the CFL as well in April of 2024. Now, his brother Chris looks to potentially suit up in the Blue and White.

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