Big Ten Preview
The Big Ten’s week six schedule will showcase a marquee matchup as Michigan hosts Penn State in its first conference game of the 2026 season, giving the Wolverines a clear home‑field advantage.
Penn State finished the 2025 campaign with a 7‑6 record after a promising start that unraveled against Oregon, UCLA, Iowa, Ohio State and Indiana, leaving the program in need of a turnaround.
The Nittany Lions’ offense struggled, ranking 34th nationally in scoring and 85th in total yards, while the defense held steady at 32nd in scoring and 25th in total defense.
Quarterback Drew Allar’s production stalled at 1,100 yards with eight touchdowns before a mid‑season injury forced a change; Ethan Grunkemeyer stepped in and threw for 1,339 yards, eight scores and four interceptions.
Running back Kaytron Allen emerged as the primary weapon with 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns, whereas Nicholas Singleton’s impact was limited by injury.
Matt Campbell, who arrived from Iowa State, now leads the program alongside defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn and multi‑year starter Rocco Becht, who posted 2,584 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season.
On the opposite sideline, Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham is expected to steer a squad that analysts view as talent‑laden and better positioned to exploit the home‑field edge.
Predictions converge on a 24‑14 victory for the Wolverines, a projection that reflects both roster depth and coaching experience.