Penn State Handed Head-Turning Prediction for 2026 Season

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The Penn State Nittany Lions have received a bold prediction ahead of the 2026 season in what will be head coach Matt Campbell's first season with the program.

Campbell brings a ton of experience, as he had great success during his decade at Iowa State. He held a 72-55 record during his 10 years at Penn State, winning three Big 12 Coach of the Year awards.

The Nittany Lions have a talented roster as Campbell has brought in talent via the transfer portal. This gives Penn State a chance for a major turnaround in 2026 after going 7-6 in the 2025 season.

"The one that I think is set up to have the breakthrough season is the one in Happy Valley," The Athletic's Bruce Feldman said about Penn State potentially making it to the College Football Playoff.

This is a bold prediction by Feldman, but it's not outside the realm of possibility given the talent Campbell has brought in. 

On offense, Campbell brought in quarterback Rocco Becht with him from Iowa State. Becht has been a starter over the last three seasons, completing 60.7 percent of his passes for 9,274 yards, 64 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions while rushing for 499 yards and 19 touchdowns on 247 carries.

His success and familiarity with Campbell's system should lead to an easy transition and help the Nittany Lions be competitive right away. 

Penn State also added wide receiver Brett Eskildsen from Iowa State, who is coming off a solid season where he finished with 30 receptions for 526 yards and five touchdowns. The most intriguing weapon they added is Benjamin Brahmer, who had 37 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns in the 2025 season at Iowa State.

Sowell is the other wide receiver who played at a high level and is coming off a quality season, as he had 32 receptions for 500 yards and two touchdowns.

Campbell has brought over a ton of talent from Iowa State, and with Becht having a plethora of his weapons coming with him, the offense should kick into high gear early in the year as the Nittany Lions make a push for the College Football Playoff.

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