Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Matt Campbell across Football.
Penn State's 2026 schedule is ranked 17th in difficulty, omitting traditional powerhouses and providing a strategic opening for Coach Matt Campbell to integrate new players and staff.
From a historic uniform contract with Adidas to a high‑profile concert in State College, Penn State is preparing for a series of events that culminate in the January 25, 2027 College Football National Championship, while also navigating tuition changes, stadium upgrades, and record‑breaking fundraising.
An analysis of the projected champions from 2026 through 2030, highlighting the rise of the Big Ten and the shifting balance of power.
The Cyclones enter 2026 with a 2.95 power rating, strong defensive metrics and a coaching staff that could bridge the rebuild gap.
Penn State is preparing for a 2026 season that will look dramatically different from the one that concluded in 2025. With new head coach Matt Campbell leading the charge, the program is undergoing a comprehensive roster transformation, bringing in a wave of transfers and fresh talent while saying goodbye to several departing seniors. Among the players set to benefit from this shift is offensive lineman Jim Fitzgerald, a walk‑on who has been at the program since the Class of 2022. Hailing from Severna Park, Maryland, Fitzgerald has spent three years developing on the scout team and in limited game action, establishing himself as a dependable depth option. His college career has been marked by modest but meaningful snap counts. He logged a single appearance in the 2025 season and contributed on two occasions as a true freshman in 2022. He did not see action in the 2023 or 2024 campaigns, but his persistence has kept him on the roster as a redshirt senior. In the upcoming year, Fitzgerald is expected to remain a deep reserve along the offensive line. The starting tackle spots are projected to be anchored by Malachi Goodman and Anthony Donkoh, while the top backups are likely to be Garrett Sexton and Owen Aliciene. This depth chart gives Fitzgerald a realistic pathway to see more playing time if injuries or performance shifts arise. The Fitzgerald family’s football pedigree adds an extra layer of intrigue. His father, uncle, and grandfather all played the sport at the collegiate level — Navy, Auburn, and Southern Miss respectively — weaving a tradition of competition and resilience into his approach. Coach Campbell’s vision emphasizes competition and versatility, and Fitzgerald’s blend of experience and family‑driven work ethic fits neatly into that philosophy. As the team finalizes its preparations, the coaching staff will be watching closely to see how the Maryland native contributes to the offensive line’s continuity and depth.
Coach Matt Campbell is reshaping Penn State's recruiting strategy, prioritizing personal fit and long‑term growth over star ratings and immediate financial incentives.
Coach Matt Campbell is reshaping Penn State football by prioritizing size, weight and physicality, a stark contrast to former coach James Franklin’s lean, athletic approach. The roster has added over 480 pounds in spring practice, bringing in massive transfers and bulking up existing players.
After 27 seasons at the helm, Kirk Ferentz remains a pillar of consistency for the Iowa Hawkeyes, entering 2026 with a top‑20 ranking and a schedule that pits the team against traditional powerhouses.
Coach Matt Campbell is counting on a stacked tight end room, featuring returning standouts Andrew Rappleyea and Ben Brahmer, to keep Penn State’s offense potent and versatile.
With 27 years at Iowa, Kirk Ferentz remains a pillar of stability in college football. As the Hawkeyes add transfer talent and face a tough schedule, the program eyes a playoff run.
Matt Campbell entered his first season at Penn State with a No. 16 spot in the CBS Sports coefficient of 130 FBS head coaches, a placement that underscores the heightened expectations attached to the program.
Kirk Ferentz, the longest‑tenured Division I head coach, appears at No. 20 on CBS Sports' 2026 Top 25 Power Four rankings, reflecting his sustained success and the growing respect for his program.
Redshirt freshman kicker Matthew Parker, a highly touted recruit, is poised to contribute to Penn State's 2026 season opener against Marshall.
Penn State football is navigating a chaotic offseason, injuries, and a new coaching direction as it readies for the 2026 campaign.
Kirk Ferentz, the longest‑tenured head coach in Division I football, has once again found himself among the conversation’s elite, landing at No. 20 on CBS Sports’ 2026 Power Four coach rankings.
Nebraska's athletic director Troy Dannen has extended head coach Matt Rhule's contract, emphasizing stability, while USC's Lincoln Riley eyes a 2026 national title and Penn State appoints Matt Campbell to replace James Franklin.
Penn State’s 2026 football outlook is shaped by an aggressive recruiting push and the emergence of sophomore defensive end Yvan Kemajou, who is projected to anchor the Nittany Lions’ front line.
With the season opener against Marshall just 99 days away, Penn State’s defense centers on sophomore edge rusher Yvan Kemajou, whose development reflects the program’s strategic shifts under new leadership.
Yvan Kemajou prepares for a breakout season as Penn State enters the Matt Campbell era, with the sophomore defensive end poised to make his mark.
From Indiana's flawless 16‑0 campaign to Michigan and Ohio State's perennial contention, the Big Ten has outshone the SEC in recent championships, prompting conference leaders to re‑evaluate the narrative of SEC invincibility.
Penn State football is shaping its 2026 lineup with several contested spots, from the backfield to the defensive front and special teams.
Veteran coach Kyle Whittingham climbs to No. 10 in the Power Four rankings as he takes the helm of Michigan, a program reshaped by the recent departure of Sherrone Moore amid scandal.
An in‑depth look at Penn State's upcoming season reveals a mix of marquee matchups and manageable games, shaping the team's quest for a College Football Playoff berth.
After two decades of dominance at Utah, Kyle Whittingham accepts a new challenge in Michigan, sparking debate over his ability to translate success to a more demanding stage.