Next up in the opponent preview series is the Penn State Nittany Lions. The team that Rutgers (and several other teams around the region) love to hate the most, and the team that handed the Scarlet Knights a truly bitter and heartbreaking defeat 40-36 in Piscataway a season ago. Similar to Rutgers, Penn State is going through a bit of a transition as they settle into the Matt Campbell era after letting go of longtime head coach James Franklin midseason following some surprising losses.
However, an easier Big Ten schedule might mean that the Nittany Lions gain their confidence by the time the Knights head into the Lions' den in late November. This could be Rutgers' hardest road game of the season, as the Knights will previously face Boston College, Maryland, Northwestern, and Wisconsin away from SHI Stadium. Rutgers will have had their chances at several Big Ten wins by this point, but how will the Nittany Lions look in their first year under Campbell?
The Nittany Lions will have a whole new look in 2026, with the offense featuring several former Iowa State Cyclones, including quarterback Rocco Becht, running back Carson Hansen, and wide receivers Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen.
The running back room will have a solid one-two punch, with Hansen rushing for 950 yards with the Cyclones while Ohio State transfer James Peoples will look to be his explosive counterpart with the ability to support the passing game from the backfield.
Penn State has often struggled lately at wide receiver, but Sowell and Eskildsen combined for over 1,000 receiving yards from Becht last year. In addition, sophomore Koby Howard flashed last season despite limited action and will likely start in the slot for the Lions.
#lions #rutgers #penn
However, an easier Big Ten schedule might mean that the Nittany Lions gain their confidence by the time the Knights head into the Lions' den in late November. This could be Rutgers' hardest road game of the season, as the Knights will previously face Boston College, Maryland, Northwestern, and Wisconsin away from SHI Stadium. Rutgers will have had their chances at several Big Ten wins by this point, but how will the Nittany Lions look in their first year under Campbell?
The Nittany Lions will have a whole new look in 2026, with the offense featuring several former Iowa State Cyclones, including quarterback Rocco Becht, running back Carson Hansen, and wide receivers Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen.
The running back room will have a solid one-two punch, with Hansen rushing for 950 yards with the Cyclones while Ohio State transfer James Peoples will look to be his explosive counterpart with the ability to support the passing game from the backfield.
Penn State has often struggled lately at wide receiver, but Sowell and Eskildsen combined for over 1,000 receiving yards from Becht last year. In addition, sophomore Koby Howard flashed last season despite limited action and will likely start in the slot for the Lions.
#lions #rutgers #penn
3 months ago
