Penn State Football 2026 Schedule: Full Breakdown, Season Outlook

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Hi, Matt Campbell, and welcome to Penn State. As your welcoming gift, enjoy the 2026 Penn State football schedule.

It could be argued that no massive Power Four team – especially in the Big Ten – has a more favorable run, but Penn State didn’t get the job done when it had its chances last year.

There’s no excuse considering the schedule – win big right away, new guy.

Breaking Down Penn State’s 2026 Football Schedule

Dec 8, 2025; University Park, PA, USA; Matt Campbell poses for a photo after being announced as the Penn State Nittany Lions new head coach during a press conference at the Beaver Stadium Press Room.© Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

The Good

The Nittany Lions don’t miss everyone big in the Big Ten, but …

(Wait until you get to the What Big Ten Teams Penn State Will Miss section down below.)

Let’s just say the program isn’t exactly pushing itself in non-conference play with Marshall, at Temple, and Buffalo.

The first four games are against teams that didn’t go to a bowl game, there are seven in all, and … again, wait until you see who Penn State doesn’t have to play.

The Bad

Uhhhhhhh, dates at Michigan and Washington aren’t easy? That’s about it, and dealing with USC and Michigan back-to-back will be a challenge.

What Big Ten Teams Penn State Will Miss

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, UCLA.

You have got to be kidding. No Indiana, no Indiana, Ohio State, or Oregon? Missing Illinois and Iowa is gravy.

Penn State’s Best and Worst Case Scenarios in 2026

Best Case: 12-0, no excuses

The Nittany Lions rip through the first five games before dealing with USC and at Michigan. Those two are hardly easy wins, but Matt Campbell’s bunch gets it done.

With a win at Washington, the last five games are a breeze on the way to 12-0 and the top spot in the Big Ten Championship.

Worst Case: Penn State gags (again)

The Nittany Lions trip up against Wisconsin in the Big Ten opener, have a problem at Northwestern, and USC and Michigan turn out to be better.

All of a sudden, the season with the dream schedule is wasted going into the second half.

Penn State Football 2026 Schedule

Sept 5 Marshall
Sept 12 at Temple
Sept 19 Buffalo
Sept 26 Wisconsin
Oct 3 at Northwestern
Oct 10 USC
Oct 17 at Michigan
Oct 24 OPEN DATE
Oct 31 Purdue
Nov 7 at Washington
Nov 14 Minnesota
Nov 21 Rutgers
Nov 28 at Maryland

Games That Will Decide Penn State’s Season

1. at Michigan, Oct. 17
Is this really it? Is this all that’s standing between Penn State and the College Football Playoff? With the schedule the Nittany Lions have, this had better be a win.

2. at Washington, Nov. 7
Welcome to the landmine. It’s the second toughest game, it’s on the road, and it’s in early November. This will be a moment for Penn State, one way or another.

3. USC, Oct. 10
Penn State will be favored to roll through the first five games. Now it’s on.

This story was originally published by College Football News on Jan 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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