Penn State Nittany Lions 2026 Preview
No. 23Penn State are 1-0 in 2026. They went 7-6 (3-6 in the Big Ten). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
About Penn State Nittany Lions
Beaver Stadium's White Out is one of the most recognisable atmospheres in college football.
- Joined the Big Ten
- 1993
- Chief rivalries
- Ohio State, Michigan
What changed for Penn State in 2026
- New head coach in Matt Campbell (Iowa State Head Coach)
- New offensive coordinator in Taylor Mouser (Iowa State Offensive Coordinator and TE Coach) and defensive coordinator in D’Anton Lynn (USC Defensive Coordinator)
- One offensive starter from last season returns (offensive lineman)
- Iowa State transfer Rocco Becht is expected to start at QB(2,584 yards, 16 TDs, 9 INTs; 116 rushing yards, 8 rushing TDs)
- Iowa State RB transfer Carson Hansen is expected to start (952 yards, 6 TDs)
- Projected starters at WR are returner Koby Howard (133 yards, 0 TDs), Iowa State transfers Chase Sowell (500 yards, 2 TDs) and Brett Eskildsen (526 yards, 5 TDs)
- Returning two players on defense, with the top returner being CB Audavion Collins (47 tackles). Five transfers are expected to start
All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.
Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
Penn State Nittany Lions 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marshall | Home | W 45-0 |
| 2 | Temple | Away | — |
| 3 | Buffalo | Home | — |
| 4 | Wisconsin | Home | — |
| 5 | Northwestern | Away | — |
| 6 | USC | Home | — |
| 7 | Michigan | Away | — |
| 8 | Purdue | Home | — |
| 9 | Washington | Away | — |
| 10 | Minnesota | Home | — |
| 11 | Rutgers | Home | — |
| 12 | Maryland | Away | — |
Get the printable Penn State Nittany Lions 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
More Big Ten previews
Illinois Fighting Illini
Indiana Hoosiers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Maryland Terrapins
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan State Spartans
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Northwestern Wildcats
Ohio State Buckeyes
Oregon Ducks
Purdue Boilermakers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
UCLA Bruins
USC Trojans
Washington Huskies
Wisconsin BadgersRelated reading
Penn State Nittany Lions betting FAQ
Penn State Nittany Lions play 12 games in 2026, 7 at home. They open against Marshall. The full schedule is listed on this page.
Penn State sits at No. 23 in Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25.
Penn State Nittany Lions play at Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA. Beaver Stadium's White Out is one of the most recognisable atmospheres in college football.
Ohio State, Michigan. Penn State has been a Big Ten member since 1993.
You can bet Penn State games on BettorEdge, a peer-to-peer marketplace. Because you trade with other bettors rather than a sportsbook, the price carries no built-in house vig.
BettorEdge is a peer-to-peer marketplace. You take the other side from another bettor, not a sportsbook.
Join BettorEdge