Penn State heads into Friday night’s trip to Northwestern with one glaring absence already locked in and one more situation still hanging in the balance.
Wide receiver Koby Howard will miss the game as the Nittany Lions try to regroup after last week’s second-half collapse against Wisconsin. Howard’s absence was felt in that Week 4 loss, and it will be felt again as Matt Campbell’s team helps open the newly rebuilt Ryan Field in Evanston.
The bigger question on the Penn State side is cornerback Daryus Dixson. The 2025 recruit has become an important piece for the Nittany Lions, and his status remains uncertain after he was listed as questionable on Tuesday night and kept that same designation on Thursday night’s availability report, released about 24 hours before kickoff.
Campbell said on Wednesday that Dixson was “dinged up” just before halftime against Wisconsin. He stayed in the game and played through it in the second half, which makes his availability seem encouraging. Still, the fact that he never got bumped to probable leaves at least some doubt heading into Friday.
Penn State’s list of players out is a long one:
OUT:
LaVar Arrington II, DE
Max Granville, DE
Koby Howard, WR
Joshua Johnson, CB
Tyler Armstead, CB
Mason Robinson, DE
Dayshaun Burnett, DE
Will Tompkins, OL
Cooper Alexander, TE
Cam Smith, LB
Cristiano Rosa, K
One notable change from earlier in the week is Cam Smith, who is now out. The redshirt freshman linebacker has not played a defensive snap since Week 1, but he’s still viewed as a promising young piece. Campbell praised him in the preseason, and his absence adds to a linebacker group that has already had to absorb some turnover.
That’s where Alex Tatsch has helped. He missed Week 1 while ramping back up from an injury suffered while preparing for the Pinstripe Bowl in December, and his return has helped cover for Smith and Kooper Ebel. Tony Rojas has also been steady at the second level of D’Anton Lynn’s defense.
If Dixson can’t play, Penn State may have to lean harder on a couple of younger defensive backs. Jahmir Joseph is the most obvious option on the outside; he’s already logged meaningful snaps at boundary corner this season and, like Dixson, came in as a highly regarded 2025 four-star recruit.
Another possibility is moving nickelback Zion Tracy outside, something Lynn and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith have already tested this year. If that happens, Josiah Zayas would likely see more time in the slot. The true freshman had a pick-six in Week 4, though he has otherwise played only sparingly.
Northwestern also has injury concerns of its own. The Wildcats list two starters as doubtful for Friday, including tight end Luke Dehnicke, their second-leading receiver. Dehnicke had seven catches for 140 yards against Indiana in Week 4, but he was banged up and may not be available.
In Other News...
Penn State Fans Just Got A New Beaver Stadium Comparison
Northwesterns new Ryan Field made its debut during Penn States visit, giving Nittany Lions fans a fresh point of comparison for what a modern college football venue can look like. The 35,000-seat on-campus stadium, built at a cost of $870 million, puts a premium on closeness to the action, with premium seating, a standing-only student section and a layout that brings the crowd right up to the playing surface.
Penn State broadcaster Steve Jones also took note of the new setup, including the location of the visiting radio booth, while the game added another layer to the conversation with the strong Peacock/NBC production. For Penn State observers, the contrast with Beaver Stadium was hard to miss, especially on a night when the sideline environment again underscored how crowded things can feel in Happy Valley. [Read more 🡒]
Penn States Northwestern Prep Just Took A Surprising Turn
Penn States trip to Northwestern now comes with a little more clarity on the injury front for both sides. The Wildcats will be without tight end Luke Dehnicke and defensive back Braden Turner, while defensive back Damon Walters and receiver Hayden Eligon are listed as game-time decisions. There is confidence that Eligon will suit up, which gives Northwestern at least a chance to keep one more piece available as it tries to sort through a thin week of preparation.
For the Nittany Lions, the injury picture is familiar in a less welcome way. Defensive end Max Granville is out for the season, and receiver Koby Howard is sidelined for an extended stretch, leaving Penn State to keep adjusting its depth as the schedule rolls on. Even with Northwestern dealing with its own absences, this is the sort of matchup where availability can shape both game planning and in-game flexibility before either side ever settles into a rhythm. [Read more 🡒]
Former Penn State QB Is Watching One Big Test For This New Era
Drew Allar is keeping a close eye on Penn States next chapter, and he sounds encouraged by the direction the program is headed under new head coach Matt Campbell. The former quarterback said he respects Campbell even though he never played for him, a small but telling sign that the transition has already earned some buy-in from one of the most recognizable players of the previous era.
Allar also pointed to Virginia Techs strong start under James Franklin as another reminder of how quickly new coaching situations can take shape. From his vantage point, both programs have a chance to keep growing beyond his time in college football, and the real test now is whether Penn State can turn that optimism into sustained success in Campbells new era. [Read more 🡒]