Penn State fans finally have their roadmap for the 2026 season - and it’s a compelling one. With Matt Campbell set to lead the Nittany Lions into a new era, the schedule offers a blend of familiar foes, historic venues, and a midseason gauntlet that could define the team’s trajectory in Year 1 under new leadership.
Let’s break it down.
A Balanced Start with a Familiar Trip
The season kicks off on September 5 with a home matchup against Marshall - a game that should give Campbell and his staff a chance to establish rhythm before things ramp up. But Week 2 brings a bit more intrigue: a trip to Temple on September 12. It’s Penn State’s first visit to Lincoln Financial Field since 2015, rekindling an in-state matchup that always carries a little extra juice, regardless of the programs’ current trajectories.
The Nittany Lions return to Beaver Stadium on September 19 to host Buffalo, wrapping up the non-conference slate. That trio of early games sets the table for what’s to come - and what’s coming is a Big Ten schedule that pulls no punches.
Big Ten Opener: No Time to Ease In
Conference play begins in earnest on September 26 when Wisconsin comes to town. The Badgers are always a physical, disciplined opponent, and this early-season clash could offer a first real glimpse into how Campbell’s system holds up against a traditional Big Ten power.
From there, it’s a trip to Northwestern on October 3 - a game Penn State will be expected to handle, but one that can’t be overlooked, especially with what looms after.
October: The Defining Stretch
Circle this part of the calendar: October 10 and October 17. Back-to-back showdowns against USC and Michigan could very well shape the narrative of Penn State’s season.
USC visits Happy Valley on October 10, bringing their high-octane offense and West Coast flair to the heart of Big Ten country. The following week, Penn State heads to Ann Arbor to face Michigan on October 17 - a matchup that’s compelling not just because of the rivalry implications, but also because it pits two first-year head coaches against each other: Matt Campbell and Kyle Whittingham.
These two last met in 2024, with Campbell edging out a 31-28 win. Expect a chess match.
What makes this stretch even more challenging? There’s no bye week cushion before or between these heavyweight bouts. That means depth, endurance, and coaching adjustments will be tested in real time.
Penn State finally gets a breather on October 24 with a bye - a well-timed pause before the final third of the schedule.
November: Road Trips, History, and Rivalries
The Nittany Lions return to action on October 31, hosting Purdue in what should be a get-back-on-track opportunity after the October grind. But then comes a historic trip on November 7 - one that’s been over a century in the making.
Penn State travels to Seattle to face Washington at Husky Stadium, marking its first visit there since 1921. That’s not a typo. The stadium, which opened in 1920, is one of the sport’s most iconic venues, and this matchup adds a layer of college football nostalgia to what should be a critical late-season game.
The regular season wraps up with a trio of Big Ten matchups, all at home: Minnesota on November 14, Rutgers on November 21, and Maryland on November 28. That’s a favorable closing stretch, especially if Penn State is in the hunt for a conference title or postseason positioning.
Looking Ahead
Game times and TV details are still to come, but the structure of the schedule already tells us plenty. It’s a balanced slate with early opportunities to build momentum, a brutal midseason stretch that will test every aspect of the program, and a November run that could allow the Nittany Lions to finish strong.
For Matt Campbell, the message is clear: welcome to the Big Ten. There’s no easing into this job - but with the right preparation and a roster that buys into his vision, this schedule offers both challenges and opportunities. Buckle up, Penn State fans. 2026 is going to be a ride.