State College, Pa. – The Penn State Nittany Lions are set to open their 2026 football season at home against Marshall on Sept. 5, marking the first full campaign under new head coach Matt Campbell. Campbell arrived from Iowa State in December after longtime coach James Franklin was dismissed following an 0‑6 start in Big Ten play and a loss to UCLA.
Rebuilding the program
Campbell quickly reshaped the staff, retaining interim coach and longtime assistant Terry Smith while hiring USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. He also leaned heavily on the transfer portal, bringing in several players who previously played with him at Iowa State. Fifty existing players chose to stay, including standout linebacker Tony Rojas, who hopes to prove last year’s struggles were an outlier.
Offensive outlook
The offense features former Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht, who brings veteran experience and will be supported by a familiar group of receivers and tight ends from his former program. Coordinators Taylor Mauser and Jake Waters, both Iowa State alumni, oversee a unit that aims to establish a physical identity. Running back Carson Hansen, another Iowa State transfer, will share duties with former Ohio State back James Peoples, who impressed in training camp.
Defensive challenges
While the defense boasts new talent, the line remains thin on proven starters. Campbell added five interior linemen via the portal, including veteran Siale Taupaki from UCLA. The coaching staff is counting on the development of sophomore Yvan Kemajou, who recorded 12 tackles, five for loss and 1½ sacks as a true freshman, and on the return of Max Granville after an injury‑plagued season.
Schedule and expectations
Penn State’s 2026 schedule appears favorable at first glance, lacking games against Big Ten powerhouses Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana. However, road trips to No. 16 Michigan and No. 17 Washington will test the rebuilt squad. The Nittany Lions hope the combination of new transfers, retained talent and fresh coaching will translate into a competitive season after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Key departures and arrivals
Among the notable losses were running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, both now in the NFL, as well as defensive tackle Zane Durant and linebacker Amare Campbell, who transferred to Tennessee. New faces joining the roster include quarterback Rocco Becht, running backs Carson Hansen and James Peoples, wide receiver Chase Sowell, and defensive tackle Siale Taupaki.
As the team prepares for its home opener, fans in State College are hopeful that Campbell’s emphasis on chemistry, disciplined recruiting and a balanced offensive attack will restore Penn State to its traditional place among the nation’s elite programs.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
