
Penn State Preps for 2026 Season Amid Key Position Battles
Penn State football is shaping its 2026 lineup with several contested spots, from the backfield to the defensive front and special teams.
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Penn State football is shaping its 2026 lineup with several contested spots, from the backfield to the defensive front and special teams.

The upcoming campaign features 19 matches, eight at Ute Field, and a series of high‑profile contests including an exhibition in Colorado and a Big 12 opener against Arizona State.

Jordan Burks, a 6‑foot‑9 forward from Decatur, Alabama, has officially joined the Oklahoma State Cowboys, bringing a blend of size, shooting range and poise in high‑pressure moments after standout stints at UCF, Georgetown and Kentucky.

The United States announced its World Cup squad in a New York ceremony, spotlighting key figures such as Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams, while injured players like Chris Richards will join later. The team is set to face Paraguay, Australia and Turkey in the group stage, with preparatory matches against Senegal and Germany.

The 2026 schedule blends modest non‑conference foes with a gauntlet of top‑tier Big 12 rivals, setting the stage for a rebuilding Cyclones team under head coach Jimmy Rogers.

Ryan Gunderson, a former backup quarterback at Oregon State, has been hired as Utah's dedicated quarterbacks coach, bringing his experience from San Jose State and UCLA to develop Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin.
Montgomery Catholic quarterback Michael Sheffield has paused his football career to serve a two‑year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, citing faith, family and a desire to avoid future regrets.