Michigan vs. Penn State is a matchup that usually has a good amount of buzz surrounding it. This year it’s the opposite, with both teams struggling midway through the season. Despite poor results for both teams, it’s still a big game. Michigan would fall to .500 with a loss, while Penn State would fall below that threshold if they lose.
Here’s a look at what you need to know about the 2026 Penn State Nittany Lions.
2026 Rankings
- Passing offense: 52
- Rushing offense: 90
- Total offense: 72
- Scoring offense: 65
- Time of possession: 66
- Third-down conversion % offense: 97
- Total defense: 36
- Team sacks: 111
- Passing yards allowed: 6
- Rushing defense: 105
- Scoring defense: 32
- Turnover margin: 19
- Fumbles recovered: 22
- Third-down conversion % defense: 7
PFF data
- Overall: 41
- Offense: 20
- Defense: 17
- SOS played: 80
- % run plays: 46.4%
- % pass plays: 53.6%
2026 season so far (3-3)
- Week 1: 45-0 Win vs. Marshall
- Week 2: 27-9 Win at Temple
- Week 3: 55-13 Win vs. Buffalo
- Week 4: 24-20 Loss vs. Wisconsin
- Week 5: 34-13 Loss at Northwestern
- Week 6: 31-23 Loss vs. USC
Head coach profile
This is Matt Campbell’s first season with Penn State after serving as Iowa State’s head
coach from 2016-25. Campbell went 72-55 at Iowa State, including 50-40 in the Big 12 and 5-5 in bowl games. Prior to Iowa State, Campbell went 35-15 as Toledo’s head coach. Campbell had just two seasons under .500 at ISU and none at Toled, but Penn State is facing a sub-.500 scenario in his first year on the job.
Statistical leaders on offense
- QB Rocco Becht: An Iowa State transfer, Becht has thrown for 1,392 yards this season with 11 touchdowns, four interceptions and a 62.7% completion rate. Becht has thrown for 10,671 yards in his career with 75 touchdowns and 30 interceptions.
- Penn State has two running backs with nearly identical stats — Ohio State transfer James Peoples has 232 rushing yards with two touchdowns and Iowa State transfer Carson Hansen has 227 yards with three touchdowns.
- WR Chase Sowell: The Iowa State transfer leads Penn State with 23 receptions, 359 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
A major standout on defense
Linebacker Tony Rojas leads Penn State in multiple categories including tackles (43), tackles for loss (8.5), sacks (4), interceptions (2). Rojas also has a forced fumble this season.
