Penn State Football Enters 2026 With Momentum, Stability, and a Clear Vision
It’s a new year in Happy Valley, and for Penn State football, 2026 kicks off with more than just a fresh calendar - it begins a new era under head coach Matt Campbell. Less than a week removed from a gritty 22-10 win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl, the Nittany Lions are already laying the groundwork for what comes next. And there’s a lot for fans to feel good about.
Veterans Holding It Down
In today’s college football landscape, where the transfer portal can flip a roster overnight, veteran leadership is more valuable than ever. That’s why the return of key pieces like offensive linemen Anthony Donkoh and Cooper Cousins, along with tight end Andrew Rappleyea, is such a big deal for Penn State. These aren’t just experienced players - they’re potential tone-setters for the 2026 squad.
Donkoh and Cousins bring toughness and continuity to the offensive line, a unit that often sets the ceiling for any team’s success. Rappleyea, meanwhile, offers a reliable target and blocking presence at tight end - a position that’s been quietly crucial in Penn State’s offensive identity over the years. Their decisions to stay say a lot about the buy-in to Campbell’s vision and the culture being rebuilt in State College.
Young Talent Sticking Around
Campbell hasn’t wasted any time on the recruiting trail, bolstering Penn State’s 2026 class with a mix of new additions and key holdovers. The class currently sits at 10 players - two signees and eight commitments - and while Campbell and his staff have added some fresh names, it’s the early loyalty of two in-state standouts that really stands out.
Four-star edge rusher Jackson Ford (Malvern Prep) and four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone (Nazareth Area) both signed before Campbell even arrived. That kind of early commitment, especially during a coaching transition, speaks volumes.
Ford brings explosive potential off the edge, and Falzone is a promising signal-caller who could be a foundational piece for the future. Keeping both in the fold gives the program a strong base to build on.
Beaver Stadium’s Transformation Marches On
While the product on the field evolves, so does the home that houses it. The $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium - one of college football’s most iconic venues - is still on track, with major structural changes slated to become visible during the 2026 season.
According to Vinnie James, Penn State’s deputy athletic director for internal operations, fans can expect to see the new west side structure (the visiting sideline) begin to take shape this fall. The full renovation is expected to wrap up by the 2027 season, but this year marks a key visual milestone in the project.
Beaver Stadium has always been a symbol of Penn State pride. Now, it’s being reimagined to match the ambitions of a program looking to compete at the highest level.
A Nod to Terry Smith
Before Matt Campbell officially took the reins, it was Terry Smith who steadied the ship. The longtime assistant - and former Penn State wide receiver and team captain - stepped in as interim head coach after James Franklin’s departure in mid-October.
The Lions were 0-3 under Smith to start, but they didn’t fold. Instead, they rallied.
Penn State closed the season with four straight wins, knocking off Michigan State, Nebraska, Rutgers, and then Clemson in the bowl game. That turnaround wasn’t just about effort - it was about execution and adjustments.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer made strides down the stretch, showing poise and growth in real time. The offensive and defensive lines both elevated their play, and Smith made a key move in the backfield: handing the reins fully to Kaytron Allen.
Allen responded with a monster season, rushing for over 1,300 yards and becoming the program’s all-time leading rusher. That decision to end the timeshare with Nick Singleton gave the offense a true identity and a workhorse to lean on. It was a defining stretch for both Allen and Smith - and a reminder of the leadership and football acumen Smith brought to the table.
Looking Ahead
With Campbell now in charge, a strong core of returning veterans, promising young talent, and a stadium transformation underway, Penn State enters 2026 with more than just hope - it has a foundation.
The Pinstripe Bowl win was a nice cap to a turbulent season, but it also felt like a beginning. The pieces are in place.
The vision is clear. Now it’s about execution - on the field, in recruiting, and in building a program that can sustain success in the ever-evolving world of college football.