Penn State entered the 2026 college football season with a preseason ranking of No. 17 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, a modest but significant placement that signals cautious optimism among analysts.
A New Era for Penn State Football
The ranking comes under the stewardship of new head coach Matt Campbell, who took over after the abrupt departure of James Franklin following a six‑game skid that saw the program tumble out of the rankings entirely.
Franklin’s exit opened the door for interim coach Terry Smith to guide a late‑season turnaround, but the board ultimately opted for Campbell, a coach known for rapid rebuilding at Iowa State.
Campbell inherits a roster that has been completely reshaped, with the team logging 40 transfers in the offseason. Among the most notable arrivals is senior quarterback Rocco Becht, who brings experience from Iowa State and is expected to anchor the offense.
The defensive side of the ball will be overseen by coordinator D'Anton Lynn, whose scheme is expected to capitalize on the speed of newcomers like safety Jeremiah Cooper and edge rusher Gabe Burkle.
The schedule avoids traditional powerhouses such as Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana, but the Nittany Lions will still test themselves against non‑conference foes Marshall, Temple and Buffalo before confronting USC, Michigan and Washington in the Big Ten slate.
Despite the lack of marquee matchups, Campbell has emphasized that the team is healthier than a year ago, pointing to the availability of all‑star safety Jeremiah Cooper and tight end Gabe Burkle as evidence of a deeper, more versatile squad.
The preseason poll also reflects the dominance of other Big Ten programs, with Ohio State holding the No. 1 spot, followed by Oregon at No. 2 and Indiana at No. 6, none of which Penn State will meet during the regular season.
Fans hope that the new coaching staff can translate this optimism into on‑field success, turning a program that once began a season ranked No. 3—the highest in 28 years—back into a contender.