Despite renewed optimism, Penn State lands outside CFP contention. Can new leadership and a loaded roster overcome schedule doubts and Big Ten challenges?
Penn State appeared to be looking up following their performance in the College Football Playoff in 2024.
PSU lost to the Irish by three points in the CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl. With Drew Allar and several key starters on offense and defense returning, the Nittany Lions were expected to compete for a national championship in 2025.
That didn't come anywhere close to happening after a 3-3 start to the campaign, and new head coach Matt Campbell is tasked with righting the ship.
Campbell will have serious challenges ahead of him; the team's strength of schedule could help the team stay in the hunt for a Big Ten championship appearance and CFP run.
ESPN's March Schlabach recently released his spring top 25 rankings. He ranked PSU at No. 15, a frustrating spot for the team to be in because it's just outside of where it needs to be to make the CFP.
"Matt Campbell seemed to do more with less at Iowa State," Schlabach said. "He'll have a full war chest available at Penn State, which finally lured him away from Ames. The Nittany Lions might be poised for a huge turnaround after signing 39 transfers, including 24 who played for Campbell at Iowa State. Becht is experienced and has already won 26 games as a starter.
"Hansen ran for nearly 1,000 yards last season, and Eskildsen, Sowell and Brahmer were Becht's top targets. Four starting offensive linemen have to be replaced, and Buhr and former Texas State center Brock Riker are proven players. Penn State doesn't play Indiana, Ohio State or Oregon during the regular season in 2026."
What's been an interesting development in the national media is taking more about Penn State's weak schedule than the talent the team has on the roster. The brand name is expected to run through conference play.
However, it remains to be seen how a roster composed of 23 former Iowa State players, recruited to play in the Big 12, transitions against Big Ten talent in the upcoming season.
2026 could end in a surprise either way for Campbell and the Nittany Lions.