Penn State Nittany Lions news: Preseason dominance, injury report scares, and more

Penn State athletics has a big weekend coming up with football back in action vs. Purdue, women's volleyball defeating Ohio State with its senior night on the horizon for Saturday, men's hockey starting Big Ten play, wrestling getting some love in the preseason polls, and the basketball season stating up.

Here's news from later in the week you may have missed.

Chase Sowell is back on Penn State football's injury report

Following the Week 8 bye, wide receiver Chase Sowell is again questionable to play on Saturday. He had some moments in the past two games where he came off the field, but he returned both times. There were no signs of an injury lingering at the time, so especially coming off the bye, his name on the report is jarring to see.

Receiver Koby Howard is also questionable and head coach Matt Campbell isn't 100 percent on putting him out there, per his Tuesday weekly press conference.

While throwing Howard out on the field too early isn't the route the Nittany Lions should go, having neither Sowell nor Howard playing on Saturday or limiting their usage on offense if they are available leaves the offense in a tough spot. Quarterback Rocco Becht hasn't played well, the run game is practically nonexistent, and the tight ends can only do so much.

Penn State wrestling settles in expectedly at No. 1 in preseason poll

Head coach Cael Sanderson's Nittany Lions remain at the top of the polls to start the 2026-27 season. They're coming off their fifth straight national title and 12th championship under Sanderson.

The NWCA Coaches Poll released earlier this week and there's no denying that the previously undefeated Penn State squad should be No. 1. The blue and white are at the top of the poll with 400 points. Oklahoma State (15-1 in 2025-26) is second with 382 points.

Other Big Ten teams to make it into the Top 25 are No. 3 Nebraska, No. 4 Iowa, No. 6 Ohio State, No. 8 Minnesota, No. 14 Michigan, No. 19 Illinois, and No. 20 Rutgers.

Purdue enters Week 9 matchup with experience playing in intimidating atmospheres

Ahead of Penn State and Purdue's Week 9 matchup, Boilermakers head coach Barry Odom had his weekly media availability.

Odom was asked about stadium atmospheres and how his players prepare to play at a place like Beaver Stadium. He said Purdue's approach at practice was similar to how the team has gotten ready for its previous matchups this season.

"Our offense has a check system on how we will execute that from a snap count and focus standpoint," Odom said. "And then also try to simulate throughout practice and our preparation when giving our quarterback the cadence and all those that need to hear the opportunity to do that."

Odom understands that actually being in the moment is much different than what the team simulates during practice, but he added that he's confident in his offense and its focus heading into the competition.

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