The college football preseason is taking off as coaches, analysts, reporters, and players get in front of the mic.
In 2025, Penn State football was at the center of national title contention conversations with a lot of pressure being put on former head coach James Franklin to bring home a championship to Happy Valley. This time around, all eyes are on head coach Matt Campbell to see if he'll start off his tenure on a high note.
There are mixed feelings over whether Campbell can actually do better than Franklin overall. The recruiting season hasn't been kind, and he has fallen into similar patterns that held Franklin back when he was head coach. However, that doesn't mean the 2026 season will be a bust and that doesn't mean Campbell won't succeed.
James Franklin's giving the media what it wants, as per usual
James Franklin has settled in at Virginia Tech. Just like he did in Happy Valley, he has made some bold comments that could come back to bite him.
On July 16, Brett McMurphy shared a quote Franklin said during ACC Media Days: "We have won the offseason. We have had a great offseason."
Nittany Lion fans could have whiplash reading that. Before the 2025 season, "winning the offseason" was something Franklin prided himself his team on. About one year later, we all know how that turned out.
But the days of Franklin fixating on Penn State could be over.
Also during ACC Media Days, he spoke about doing more with less earlier in his career compared to being the head coach of the Hokies and being in a position to do more with more.
The out-of-context quote can easily raise questions. Franklin had everything in Happy Valley, especially in 2025. That's not what he was referring to, however, in the first half of the quote. Franklin pointed to, rather, his Division II playing days.
So, hopefully Franklin has finally put Penn State to the side and out of mind.
Matt Campbell comes away with recruiting wins Penn State fans have looked out
There's some light at the end of the very dark tunnel Campbell entered in the middle of June. After losing recruiting battles, losing commits, and struggling to compete with high-level teams, Campbell landed three-star offensive tackle Oscar Webersink.
The previously unranked Swedish recruit immediately took a liking to the Nittany Lions after his first visit, and it was only a matter of time before he made his decision. Thankfully, no other team swooped in and surprisingly stole him from Penn State.
A win is a win, regardless of position or ranking. And Campbell needed one fast.
The Nittany Lions also could have a 2027 running back to target. After losing four-star Aiden Gibson to Rutgers, Campbell might turn his attention to three-star Sa'Nir Brooks. Brooks was a former Syracuse commit and is a Pennsylvania native who is currently finishing his high school career in Maryland.
Four-star 2028 quarterback James Armstrong also provided some security to Campbell and Penn State in a recent interview. Armstrong emphasized how money and NIL offers won't sway his mind away from the blue and white. In a college football era where loyalty can be determined on how hefty an offer is, fans at least won't have to worry about their 2028 passer leaving Penn State out to dry.
More: Penn State women's volleyball will participate in the Palestra's 100th anniversary
The Nittany Lions' men's basketball team is scheduled to face Pittsburgh for an in-state matchup at the Palestra, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the venue as well as the 150th meeting between the two teams.
Joining the basketball team in celebrating the Palestra, Penn State women's volleyball will also play a game in the venue. The Nittany Lions will face Stanford on Sept. 11, which will be the first time since 1985 that the blue and white have played in a game there.
“I am incredibly excited for our team and for the sport of volleyball to have the opportunity to compete in such a historic venue,” head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley said in a statement. "Celebrating 100 years, The Palestra has been the home to countless unforgettable moments in college athletics, and it is truly one of the most iconic arenas in the country."
Add us as a preferred source on Google