A New Era Begins
Marshall week has arrived for Penn State's program, signaling the start of the 2026 season under new head coach Matt Campbell. With spring drills and August camp behind them, the Nittany Lions are set to debut a roster that combines 40 transfers and a number of true freshmen with returning starters and backups, as reported by the York Daily Record. The preseason reviews have been cautiously positive, with standouts emerging and injuries reportedly minor.
Campbell, a former Iowa State Cyclone, has brought several familiar faces to Happy Valley. The York Daily Record notes that offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, safeties coach Deon Broomfield, and prominent players such as Rocco Becht, Carson Hansen, Ben Brahmer, Trevor Buhr, Kooper Ebel, Marcus Neal , and Jeremiah Cooper all have Iowa State connections. As the Mechanicsburg Patriot News put it, "as the Iowa State guys go, so may the Lions."
Schedule Sets Up for Success
Penn State's 2026 schedule has been widely discussed for its favorable composition. The Patriots News reports that the Lions do not face Indiana, Ohio State, or Oregon in the regular season. All 12 games are considered winnable, including road trips to Michigan and Washington and a White Out matchup with USC. The York Daily Record echoes this sentiment, noting the absence of those three teams and suggesting that a 10-2 record would likely secure a College Football Playoff berth, even if as a debated qualifier. The record predicts that beating USC and either Michigan or Washington would be enough to prove the team's playoff worthiness.
Offensive Outlook: Running Backs and Receivers
For the first time in five years, Penn State may not feature a 1,000-yard rusher, according to the York Daily Record. Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton took turns starring and breaking records over the past four years, but this year's group is deeper and possibly more versatile, though it may not match that previous production. Expected senior starter Carson Hansen provides a solid base, with James Peoples, Quinton Martin, and Cam Wallace expected to emerge as flashy backups.
At wide receiver, the Patriots News highlights Iowa State transfers Brett Eskildsen and Chase Sowell, along with sophomore Koby Howard and true freshman Amarion Jackson, as players to watch early in the season. If they emerge as playmakers, the receiver corps could become a strength rather than the weakness it has been over the last three seasons.
Defensive Standouts and New Faces
On defense, the York Daily Record predicts that sophomore Yvan Kemajou will become Penn State's next star pass rusher, leading the team in sacks (eight-plus) and tackles for loss. Kemajou, listed at 6-foot-3 and 252 pounds, is described as having the most raw potential among the edge rushers. The secondary, which managed just six interceptions last season, is projected to lead the Big Ten in interceptions this year, thanks to its depth of playmakers.
Zion Tracy, a senior defensive back, is highlighted by the Patriots News for his elite speed and versatility, capable of playing outside at corner, inside at nickel, and even seeing some safety reps. The top five defensive tackles are transfers, including the UCLA tandem of Keanu Williams (6-5, 317) and Siale Taupaki (6-4, 326), who are expected to start.
The coaching staff also features former Penn State players, as the Patriots News notes: Terry Smith serves as associate head coach and oversees the cornerback room, while defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn played cornerback for Joe Paterno from 2008 through 2011. Dan Connor, Michael Mauti, Jordan Hill, Steven Gonzalez, Alan Zemaitis, Jordan Lucas, and DeOn'tae Pannell are also on staff.
Transfers and Departures
Several players have left the program. Defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam transferred to Tennessee, and offensive tackle Eagan Boyer transferred to Florida after a solid effort against Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl, according to the Patriots News. Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer transferred to Virginia Tech, where he is expected to be the starter.
The Patriots News notes that the Iowa State influence on Campbell's staff is clear, and the team's success may hinge on how well the many new pieces mesh. As the York Daily Record observes, this is a team that fans will have to get to know a bit at a time.