In the wake of Michigan pummeling Penn State for 418 rushing yards in 2022, then-coach James Franklin infamously called out his own program for not being big enough on the defensive line. It was an inflection point in his push for an athletics-specific cafeteria on campus,

Penn State opens the Matt Campbell era at home against Marshall and will face Michigan, USC, and Washington in 2026.

One of them was a two-time All-American linebacker who is Penn State’s all-time leader in tackles. The other was a three-year starter at quarterback and a leader on the Nittany Lions’ 2016 Big Ten championship squad.

New Penn State football coach Matt Campbell discusses his strategy for rebuilding the Nittany Lions after a mass exodus of players, emphasizing character, commitment, and the program's unique culture.

The Nittany Lions have consistently pushed elite competition to the brink. Beyond the two-point loss to Michigan, they came up just short against Michigan State (by four), Ohio State (by six), and dropped eight-point decisions against both Illinois and Purdue.

A new Penn State head coach, an influx of new assistants, a new recruiting class, a huge list of transfer adds, and a new outlook for 2026. It’s been a crazy last few months. James Franklin, the Nittany Lions’ coach from 2014 until mid-October of 2025,