Penn State football's 2026 regular season schedule is almost a gift to head coach Matt Campbell as he enters his first season leading the Nittany Lions. Their toughest opponents are Week 6 vs. USC, Week 7 at Michigan, and Week 10 at Washington — practically incomparable to the toughest three games they had in 2025 against Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana (not to mention Iowa).
A hot start could mean everything for Matt Campbell with Penn State schedule released
The Wolverines pose the biggest challenge for Penn State, with many college football analysts marking it as the Nittany Lions' test in 2026. While the they also face the Huskies on the road, Michigan Stadium is a different kind of battle. It's the final contest the blue and white have before their bye week as well, meaning Week 7 almost acts as a check point for Campbell to assess his squad.
There's a chance Penn State ends up undefeated by the time it hits a break in Week 8. There's also the possibility of being down one or even two games at that point, with one of those being a loss to Michigan.
Penn State faces Michigan at the Wolverines Homecoming game in 2026
Michigan picks Penn State to be its 2026 Homecoming game opponent.
— Greg Pickel (@GregPickel) February 10, 2026
Newsstand: https://t.co/BAeYrQjWWs pic.twitter.com/tvpxKPyMPL
Making matters even tougher for the Nittany Lions, the Wolverines announced they're designating Week 7 as their Homecoming game. Kickoff time for Saturday, Oct. 17 has yet to be revealed. Ohio State plays at Indiana at 12 p.m. ET that day, so it can be assumed that Penn State and Michigan will play either at 3:30 p.m. ET or earn a primetime slot.
The Homecoming contest features two new head coaches at the helm of both programs: Campbell and Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham. Michigan also heads into that Saturday fresh off a bye week while Campbell brings his team in off a game versus the Trojans in Happy Valley.
The Nittany Lions have yet to announce their iconic themes for 2026, including the White Out, Stripe Out, and their own Homecoming. The Wolverines did not announce other themes for their remaining home games on their schedule.