The Big Ten has officially dropped the 2026 football schedule, and for Penn State, it couldn’t be more tailor-made for a new era under head coach Matt Campbell. In his first season leading the Nittany Lions, Campbell inherits a schedule that not only eases him into the job but also offers a clear path to early momentum - if his team can capitalize.
A Soft Opening: Non-Conference Tune-Up
Penn State opens the season with a trio of non-conference games that are, frankly, designed for fine-tuning.
- Sept. 5 vs. Marshall
- Sept. 12 at Temple
- **Sept. 19 vs.
Buffalo**
None of these matchups are expected to push Penn State to the brink, and that’s exactly the point. These early games give Campbell a valuable runway to evaluate his roster in live action, work through the growing pains of a new system, and start building chemistry - especially important with several key transfer additions expected to play major roles. It’s a chance to establish rhythm, build confidence, and experiment with rotations before the Big Ten gauntlet begins.
Early Big Ten Slate: Manageable but Meaningful
The conference schedule kicks off with back-to-back games that are winnable but not without purpose:
- Sept. 26 vs. Wisconsin
- Oct. 3 at Northwestern
Wisconsin is coming off a rough 2-7 Big Ten campaign, and while no game in this league is a gimme, this isn’t the Badger powerhouse of old. Northwestern, meanwhile, edged out Penn State in 2025, finishing just ahead of them in the standings. That loss, which marked the end of the James Franklin era, still lingers - and you can bet it’ll be circled in the locker room.
These games are crucial. They’re not just about wins; they’re about setting a tone. Campbell gets two early conference matchups that allow his team to get acclimated before the schedule tightens considerably.
The Crucial Stretch: USC and Michigan
Then comes the real test.
- Oct. 10 vs. USC
- Oct. 17 at Michigan
This is the kind of two-week stretch that defines a season. Hosting USC at Beaver Stadium is a marquee moment - a chance for Campbell to make a national statement.
And then it’s straight into the Big House to face Michigan, one of the conference’s perennial heavyweights. It’s a brutal back-to-back, no question.
But here’s the upside: by the time these games arrive, Penn State will have five contests under its belt, including two Big Ten matchups. That’s enough time to settle in, find rhythm, and - ideally - enter this stretch with confidence and cohesion.
Timely Bye, Favorable Finish
After Michigan, the Nittany Lions catch a much-needed breather:
- Oct. 24 - Bye Week
This is perfectly timed. It gives Campbell and his staff a chance to regroup, assess, and make adjustments before the final push.
And the back half of the schedule? It’s manageable - especially if Penn State has already weathered the storm.
- Oct. 31 vs. Purdue
- Nov. 7 at Washington
- **Nov. 14 vs.
Minnesota**
- **Nov. 21 vs.
Rutgers**
- Nov. 28 at Maryland
Of these, Washington poses the biggest challenge, particularly on the road. But by Week 10, Penn State should be more than battle-tested. The rest of the slate features teams that, while capable of pulling off upsets, aren’t expected to be in the conference’s upper tier.
The Opportunity Ahead
Let’s be clear: no game in the Big Ten is a layup. But this schedule gives Matt Campbell a real shot to hit the ground running in Year 1.
The early non-conference games offer a cushion. The Big Ten opener is challenging but not overwhelming.
And the most difficult stretch - USC and Michigan - is followed by a well-placed bye and a favorable closing run.
If Penn State can emerge from that USC-Michigan gauntlet with even one win, they’ll be in prime position for a strong finish. A 10-2 season?
That’s not just possible - it’s on the table. And if the pieces come together quickly, 11-1 isn’t out of the question either.
For Campbell and the Nittany Lions, the path is there. Now it’s about execution.