Penn State Nittany Lions: A New Era Begins in 2026
The Penn State Nittany Lions are entering the 2026 season with a revamped coaching staff and nearly an entirely new roster, drawing inspiration from Iowa State. Despite these changes, early preseason rankings show some optimism for the team. On3 has positioned Penn State at No. 14, crediting new head coach Matt Campbell for his successful tenure at Iowa State, where he achieved a notable 11-3 season and a Big 12 title-game appearance in 2024.
Campbell has brought in 39 transfers, including key players like quarterback Rocco Becht. The team faces challenges in the competitive Big Ten, ranking behind top teams such as Ohio State and Michigan. However, a favorable schedule, which includes only one matchup against a top-ranked opponent, may work to their advantage. USA Today ranks Penn State slightly lower at No. 17 but highlights the potential benefits of their schedule. With significant roster turnover and strategic coaching decisions, including the retention of assistant coach Terry Smith, the Nittany Lions are poised for a transformative season.
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