Penn State football, volleyball, men's hockey, and field hockey are all scheduled to play games this weekend.
The field hockey squad is up first on Friday, Oct. 9 on the road at Michigan State at 3 p.m. EDT. The Nittany Lions' hockey team plays No. 16/14 UConn later that night at 7 p.m. EDT as well as women's volleyball at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Men's hockey follows it up Saturday at 7 p.m. EDT at Sacred Heart while football takes on USC at home in the White Out. Volleyball and field hockey close out the weekend on Sunday with games against Washington and Kent State, respectively.
Leading up to this weekend's slate of games, here's news you may have missed around Happy Valley.
Matt Campbell gives injury update on Brock Riker
Campbell spoke on Thursday about center Brock Riker's injury recovery and what his availability looks like for Saturday.
He shared that Riker is not 100 percent yet, but is moving in the right direction. The Penn State starter has played in every contest so far in 2026, but has been questionable in terms of how well he's played this season. The offensive line in Happy Valley may need some revamping, and having a center who's at 100 percent could be an option on the table.
Brock Riker's injury status: Ready for This Week?
— Blue White Illustrated (@PennStateOn3) October 8, 2026
Penn State head coach Matt Campbell said that despite playing through pain for weeks, Brock's injury is improving. While not 100%, he's much closer to full availability this week, showing dedication to recovery. pic.twitter.com/au8B2PM9UP
USC wide receiver takes a shot at Penn State's defense
Ahead of Saturday's matchup between the Nittany Lions and Trojans, wide receiver Tanook Hines dismissed Penn State's defense when asked about its secondary.
"Nothing much for real," Hines told reporters when asked what stands out about the Nittany Lions' defense. "Probably just the stadium."
USC WR Tanook Hines handed the Penn State secondary some premium bulletin board material ahead of Saturday night's White Out matchup.
— Basic Blues Nation (@basicblues) October 7, 2026
The Nittany Lions rank 3rd in the FBS for passing defense, giving up just 119.6 yards per game. However, the unit has allowed 239 yards per game… pic.twitter.com/vVAoDnKu4u
Penn State's defense has had some ups and downs early on in the season, but it hasn't been the consistently disappointing part of this Nittany Lions team. The defense held up pretty well vs. Wisconsin in Week 4 and ultimately couldn't persevere through the full 60 minutes. Week 5 is when things got real sticky, but defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn is very aware of how this USC offense operates.
During the week, Lynn said stopping the run, being solid on third down and in the red zone, and not giving up chunk plays were key. Penn State ranks 28th in total defense and fourth in third down conversion allowed percentage.
Penn State basketball has a bleak showing at Big Ten Media Day
The Nittany Lions' men's basketball team had its Big Ten Media Day appearance on Thursday, and it was clear that there's not much care across the country for Penn State's squad.
A photo from the Nittany Lions' setup with head coach Mike Rhoades showed just two reporters there to ask questions. Penn State was recently ranked in an unofficial Big Ten Poll at No. 18 as well. Hope for this program seems to be at an all-time low after Rhoades embarked on yet another roster overhaul in hopes of finding some sort of identity.
Podium session for Penn State men’s basketball coach Mike Rhoades at Big Ten Media Day.
— Paul M. Banks (@PaulMBanks) October 8, 2026
Things like this are exactly why PSU Athletic Director Pat Kraft said spending on the program is “not a good investment” pic.twitter.com/Y6LgorOXut
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