
Previewing the 2025 season for Penn State DE Yvan Kemajou with his player profile
Going into the 2025 football season, Nittany Lions Wire will examine each player listed on the Penn State roster. Over the preseason, each profile will cover the player's background, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for James Franklin this season.
Defensive end Yvan Kemajou wasn't viewed as one of the top recruits in Penn State's 2025 class, but the early returns have been promising. Kemajou earned a starting role opposite Zuriah Fisher for the blue team in Penn State's annual Blue-White Game and was called a "monster" by strength coach Chuck Losey, leading to optimism entering the season.
Preseason Player Profile
Hometown: Burtonsville, Maryland
Height: 6-3
Weight: 244 lb
Class in 2025: Freshman
Recruiting Rankings
Class of 2022: Consensus 4-star recruit, No. 18 defensive lineman and No. 5 Maryland native per 247Sports
Kemajou ranked as a 3-star when he committed to the Nittany Lions but quickly shot up the rankings after displaying strength and explosiveness in his senior season of high school ball.
Depth Chart Overview
Kemajou likely won't crack the two-deep in 2025 but may see the field in garbage time or on special teams during his freshman campaign.

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