2026 PSU #18/17 vs. Marshall

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General Pre-Game Information

• Game One of 2026 season (3:30pm EDT kick time announced May 27)—This is the first game of the 2026 season (Season 140), the first game of the Matt Campbell coaching era (his 15th season overall as an FBS head coach) & the debut of the “Nittany Cyclones” (the merger of Campell’s Iowa State transfers into the Nittany Lions). This is the 67th season at Beaver Stadium (2nd as West Shore Home Field) & the 43rd season opening game to be played in Beaver Stadium. This is the 11th Stripe Out Gameat Beaver Stadium since its debut in 2015 (officially announced Aug. 5/1st of 3 “Color Outs" this season) and the first ever in a season opening game. Marshall is only the third non-Big Ten team to appear in a Stripe Out (Temple in 2016 & Pitt in 2019 are the others). This is also the debut game for the new Adidas football uniforms and footballs (see images from July 1 reveal at bottom). This is the first of three consecutive games vs. non-conference opponents (2 at home) and the first game where PSU (#18/#17) is ranked in any major poll since game 6 of the 2025 season. Marshall (Sun Belt/0-0/unranked) is making its first ever appearance at Beaver Stadium. The Thundering Herd feature Carlos Del Rio-Wilson QB who is on the Davey O’Brien Award watchlist, Jalen Slappy OG who is on the Outland Trophy watchlist, Daytione Smith S who is on the Jim Thorpe Award watchlist, and Braydin Ward DE who made The Athletic 2026 “Freaks” List. This is the second season during the renovation of Beaver Stadium which is due to conclude in time for the 2027 season’s home opener (currently scheduled for Sept. 4, 2027 vs. Syracuse). This is also the 120th season of the Nittany Lion mascot which was officially recognized in 1907.

• Head Coaching Debut Results at PSU (since 1909): James Franklin (2014 Win vs. UCF in Ireland), Bill O’Brien (2012 Loss vs. Ohio Univ.), Joe Paterno (1966 Win vs. Maryland), Rip Engle (1950 Win vs. Georgetown), Joe Bedenk (1949 Loss vs. Villanova), Bob Higgins (1930 Win vs. Niagara), Hugo Bezdek (1918 Tie vs. Wissahickon Barracks), Dick Harlow (1915 Win vs. Westminster), Jack Hollenback (1910 Win vs. Harrisburg Athletic Club), & Bill Hollenback (1909 Win vs. Grove City)—Interim Head Coach Debut Results: Terry Smith (2025 Loss at Iowa) & Tom Bradley (2011 Loss vs. Nebraska)

• Penn State starting a transfer at QB: Assuming Rocco Becht (5th Yr. Sr.) makes his debut as the starting QB in this game, Becht becomes the first transfer player from another school (Iowa State) to start at quarterback for PSU since the 1965 and 1966 seasons when Jack White (a transfer from Florida) was the Nittany Lions top QB. The only other transfer to start at QB for Penn State in the modern era (since 1950) is Tony Rados (a transfer from Notre Dame) in 1952 and 1953. Becht is the first starting transfer QB to have substantial playing experience at his previous school. Rocco opens the 2026 season on the Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Manning Award, & Unitas Golden Arm watchlists.

• LINK TO 2026 PENN STATE COACHING & SUPPORT STAFF‍ (Complete List)

• PSU in Season Openers: 115-22-2 All-time—In 42 season opening games played at Beaver Stadium (1960-present), PSU is 36-6 (21-2 since joining the Big Ten in 1993 season)—Last season opening loss at home was in 2012 vs. Ohio University (24-14 in Bill O’Brien’s debut game)

• PSU in Home Openers: 124-13-1 All-time (there were no home games in 1891 which accounts for the missing game in the record)—PSU is 56-10 in home openers at Beaver Stadium—The Nittany Lions have won 22 of their last 24 home openers (last home opening loss was Oct. 31, 2020 vs. Ohio State, 38-25, in the first October home opener since 1971 & latest home opener since Nov. 2, 1918, 6-6 tie vs. Wissahickon Barracks)

• Last PSU Game played (Dec. 27, 2025): Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium—Penn State 22 Clemson 10 (4th straight win for PSU) LINK TO STATS THRU CLEMSON WIN

• PSU 2025 record: 7-6 overall, 3-6 in Big Ten—PSU was 4-3 at home/2-3 on road/1-0 at neutral sites/1-2 in night games/0-6 in all “color themed” games (home & road)—Penn State finished with its fewest conference wins since 2014 (2-6)—PSU was 3-3, 0-3 under James Franklin & 4-3, 3-3 under Terry Smith. LINK TO 2025 SCHEDULE/RESULTS

• Current Rankings: 2026 Pre-Season AP Poll (released Aug. 17)-Penn State is ranked #18 (first PSU AP ranking since being #7 ahead of 2025 game 5 loss at UCLA/PSU’s 4th straight season & 9th of last 10 seasons ranked in AP Pre-Season Poll)—AP Pre-Season rankings of note: #1 Ohio State, #2 Oregon, #6 Indiana, #14 (tied) USC, #16 Michigan, #17 Washington, & #22 Iowa (also of note: Illinois projected as #33, Virginia Tech as #37, & Minnesota as #38)—PSU is scheduled to play USC, Michigan, Washington, and Minnesota in the 2026 season / 2026 Pre-Season US LBM Coaches Poll (released Aug. 4 by USA Today)-Penn State is ranked #17 (first PSU ranking in Coaches Poll since being #22 ahead of 2025 game 6 loss to Northwestern)—Pre-Season Coaches Poll rankings of note: #1 Ohio State, #2 Oregon, #6 Indiana, #14 USC, #16 Michigan, #19 Washington, & #22 Iowa—Note on 2026 US LBM Poll Board of Coaches: Former PSU coaches James Franklin of VT, Ricky Rahne of ODU, Manny Diaz of Duke, & Charles Huff of Memphis have votes as do all 3 of the non-conference coaches who face PSU this fall (Big Ten Head Coaches at Ohio State, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan, Washington, Northwestern, & Indiana also have votes)—Matt Campbell does not participate in the voting.

• 2025 Poll Information—In the final 2025 season polls released Jan. 20, 2026, Penn State was not ranked for the 11th straight AP Poll & the 10th straight Coaches Poll—After having received votes in the Coaches Poll in the final 3 polls ahead of the playoffs, PSU did not receive any votes in the final poll despite having won its bowl game—In the Dec. 7, 2025 Coaches Poll, PSU received 6 votes for 40th overall in the final poll ahead of the post-season. PSU was not ranked in CFP Polls at any point during 2025 season—Most recent CFP ranking was #4 in 2024 season/6th seed in post-season ahead of 2025 Orange Bowl/CFP Semifinal loss vs. Notre Dame.

• Cleveland.com 2026 Big Ten Pre-Season Poll (official—released July 27)—Penn State ranked #6 (380 points)—had been ranked #1 in 2025 (only #1 ranking in this poll since 2011 debut)—In 2026 Big Ten season, PSU will face: #4 USC, #5 Michigan, #7 Washington, #10 Minnesota, #12 Wisconsin, #14 Northwestern, #15 Maryland, #17 Rutgers, & #18 Purdue

• Marshall 2025 Record: 5-7 overall, 3-5 in Sun Belt East (lost 4 of last 5 games)—Head Coach: Tony Gibson (2nd season)—Sun Belt member since 2022—Gibson replaced Charles Huff as Herd Head Coach after his departure for Southern Mississippi in 2025 (Huff, who has since moved to Memphis, was a PSU assistant under James Franklin 2014-17)

• 3rd meeting with Marshall all-time (1st at Beaver Stadium/1st meeting since 1930): Penn State leads the series, 2-0. The series dates to Oct. 12, 1929, at New Beaver Field with Penn State winning, 26-7 on 4 TDs and 2 PAT kicks from Frank “Yutz” Diedrich HB. Diedrich scored twice on short runs, once on a fumble recovery in the endzone, and once on a pass from Cooper French QB. The two schools played once more in State College in 1930, with the Nittany Lions scoring 10 touchdowns and winning 65-0. Thomas “Red” Evans HB returned the opening kick 98 yards untouched for a TD and Cooper French QB added a 68-yard run to paydirt for one of his 2 TDs. Evans kick return for score in 1930 was then the longest ever at New Beaver Field on a 100-yard field.

• 1st meeting of the schools now known by their “We Are” cheers. Despite frequent suggestions that it has ties to the legendary 1947 team that integrated the Cotton Bowl, Penn State’s use of the “We Are” cheer with “Penn State” response actually dates to the first game of the 1976 season per the late Lou Prato. Penn State’s cheerleaders of the mid-70’s were trying to get more fan involvement at the games and came up with the “We Are” yell by students to encourage a “Penn State” response from the alumni and other fans. And despite the movie title, the “We Are Marshall” cheer reportedly dates to the early 1980’s; and, per 1971 Marshall coach Jack Lengyel, it was not originally connected to the 1970 plane crash tragedy nor the following 1971 football season that spawned the 2006 Hollywood film. CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON “WE ARE”

• PSU last game vs. a member of the Sun Belt Conference: 2018 vs. eventual Sun Belt champion Appalachian State at Beaver Stadium—PSU survives big upset scare to win the season opener, 45-38 in OT. The 10th ranked Lions needed an interception by Amani Oruwariye in the endzone to end App State’s hopes for their most stunning upset since they beat Michigan in 2007. PSU wide receiver KJ Hamler’s heroics made overtime possible in this game. Trailing 38-31 with 1:47 left in the 4th, Hamler’s electrifying kick return to midfield sets the stage for a short scoring drive. A little over a minute later Hamler makes a fingertip grab of a Trace McSorley pass for the tying TD.

• 11th Stripe Out Game all-time for PSU (1st in a season opener): The Nittany Lions are 6-4 in Stripe Outs (4-4 vs. Big Ten foes) and 4-4 in games not scheduled in primetime. PSU lost the 2025 Stripe Out to Northwestern, 22-21 in the final game coached by James Franklin (was also the Homecoming/Generations of Greatness Game). Penn State’s last win in a Stripe Out came in 2024 over UCLA, 27-11, but the Lions have lost 3 of their last 4 Stripe Outs (including Ohio State in 2022 & Michigan in 2023). The Stripe Out concept was born in 2015 (a 28-3 win over Rutgers which also saw first stadium fireworks display), no doubt borrowing heavily from Iowa’s Black & Gold Spirit Game which debuted in 2010. The PSU Stripe Out effectively replaced the Blue Out Game that was briefly played from 2011-14 and never really caught the imagination of the fans. There was no Stripe Out in the 2020 season due to Covid-19 restrictions on fan attendance. This is the first PSU “color scheme game” in a season opener at Beaver Stadium since the 2023 Helmet Stripe win over West Virginia. For the record: Penn State is 22-16 (since 2007 debut of the full stadium Whiteout) in all “color scheme” games played at Beaver Stadium (including all official & unofficial Whiteout variations).

• 1st 3:30pm ET kick for PSU in 2026. Last 3:30pm kick was 2025 at Rutgers (PS wins 40-36)—In all, 6 PSU games kicked at 3:30pm ET in the 2025 season (PSU was 4-2 in those games).

• Penn State’s new uniforms from Adidas—Home blue and away white jerseys and full uniforms, socks, cleats, footballs, etc. were revealed at event at Pegula Ice Arena on July 1 as part of the official start of the new 10-year Adidas contract. (see images at bottom)

• Quarterback Jersey Numbers: Rocco Becht (5th Yr. Sr.) wearing #3 for his PSU debut vs. Marshall is the first instance of a Penn State starting QB wearing a single-digit number since Will Levis #7 in 2020. Becht’s #3 is also the lowest number worn by a PSU starting QB since Rob Bolden #1 in 2011. PSU’s other QBs on 2026 roster: Alex Manske #7 (underwent heart/aortic repair surgery March 16—participated fully in Aug. camp), Connor Barry #10, Kase Evans #12, & Jack Lambert #19 (only returning QB from 2025 PSU roster). True Freshman QB Peyton Falzone #14 primarily worked at TE in August camp/roster updated Aug. 27 to reflect his official position switch to TE—Only Barry (5th Yr. Sr.) has substantial collegiate experience behind Becht—Manske only appeared in 3 games in 2025 at ISU (only 1 game with passing stats) after recovering from elbow surgery from high school injury—All 5 QBs expected to be available for opener per Matt Campbell/Jake Waters

• Rocco Becht 2025 passing stats at ISU (12 games started): 205 of 339 for 2,584 yards, 16 TDs, 9 INTs (with 8 rushing TDs)—Best 2025 game: 30 of 48 for 314 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 2 two-point conversion passes (2 rushing TDs) in loss at Cincinnati—Best Season (2024): 3,505 yards passing with 25 TDs (had 3,120 yards passing with 23 TDs in 2023)

• Jersey #0: Chase Sowell WR (5th Yr. Sr. Transfer from ISU where he wore #0) will wear #0 in 2026 making him only the third PSU player ever (and first on offense) to wear this number following Dom DeLuca LB (2023-25) & Jonathan Sutherland S (2020-22). Previous to Sowell, PSU players were specifically given #0 as an honor for their performance on Special Teams. On Aug. 7, the PSU roster was updated to reflect that Jahmir Joseph CB (R-Fr.) had switched jersey numbers from #23 to #0 giving the Nittany Lions two 0’s on the roster for the first time ever. Joseph is 4th from PSU to wear #0 since its use was first permitted in 2020.

• LINK TO 2026 PRE-SEASON AWARD/TROPHY WATCHLISTS

  TV/Radio Information

• FS1 Gameday Announcers: TBA

• First game televised on FS1 since 2025 vs. Northwestern (PSU lost 22-21 in what was James Franklin’s final game)—Penn State made two appearances on FS1 in 2025 including the home win over Villanova

• This is the first game this season to be televised on a non-traditional TV Network—Last was 2025 win at Rutgers on BTN

• Penn State Radio Network Announcers: Steve Jones (PBP), Jack Ham (Analyst), & Brian Tripp (Sidelines). Jones & Ham are beginning their 27th season in the booth together. Ham, a member of both the CHOF (1990) and Pro Football Hall of Fame (1988), played linebacker at Penn State (1968-70). Jones (Class of 1980) & Tripp (Class of 2011) are also Penn State grads.