Matt Campbell begins tenure as Penn State football head coach

Matt Campbell takes over as the head coach of the Penn State football program for the 2026 season. This transition follows the departure of former head coach James Franklin, who has moved to a coaching role at Virginia Tech. The Nittany Lions enter the season with a roster featuring veteran quarterback Rocco Becht and a schedule that excludes matchups against Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon. Expectations for the team include potential contention for the College Football Playoff, despite the loss of several players to the transfer portal during the offseason. Campbell intends to implement a different strategic approach to the program than his predecessor. Success for the team in 2026 is currently measured by the ability to secure a spot in the 12-team playoff bracket.

• 4:00 PMYahoo Sports — How will Penn State define and achieve success in 2026?