Penn State head coach Matt Campbell opened up on what to expect from his team following the injury to Koby Howard.
The Penn State Nittany Lions are off to an excellent start to this 2026 season, beginning the year 3-0.
Under first-year head coach Matt Campbell, Penn State has looked very strong so far. Campbell has his guys ready to go each week out, but the schedule will only get tougher from here for the Nittany Lions.
Next up for Campbell and company will be the Wisconsin Badgers, giving them their first taste of Big Ten action this season. The game will be played at the friendly confines of Beaver Stadium, but the team will be without leading wide receiver Koby Howard.
Howard suffered an injury recently, and he will now be out for an extended period of time. Losing Howard is a serious blow for the Nittany Lions, with him being their leader in the passing game.
Through three games, Howard has caught 12 passes for 344 yards and two touchdowns. Howard has averaged 28.7 yards per reception, and he also has a rushing touchdown as well.
But for the Nittany Lions, it will be the next man up. Campbell is looking for the rest of the wide receivers to step up in the absence of Howard, continuing to set the tone for the offense by making plays.
Penn State's offense has looked good far with quarterback Rocco Becht under center, and the rest of the guys will have to prove themselves without Howard against the Badgers. So far this season, Becht has thrown for 751 yards with nine touchdowns in three games with the Nittany Lions.
Campbell wants to see that next-man-up mentality from his guys, and he has no doubt in faith that they can get the job done. Penn State is more than just Howard, and against the Badgers, they will have to show they can replicate the same offensive success.
The team will be getting back Brett Eskildsen, who is ready to help out in the absence of Howard. But Eskildsen understands that losing Howard will be tough to deal with, but all Penn State can hope for is the best when it comes to the injury process.
If the Nittany Lions can come away with a win over Wisconsin, it could be a huge confidence boost for this team without Howard. After the game with the Badgers, Penn State will be heading out on the road to face Northwestern.
Kickoff between Wisconsin and Penn State is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ET this weekend.
