5 Reasons for Optimism for Penn State Fans

It’s not looking good for Penn State.

The Nittany Lions on Saturday dropped their fourth consecutive game, 21-18 against Michigan, falling below .500 on the year and remaining winless against Big Ten competition during head coach Matt Campbell’s inaugural season.

Add to that some of the ways the team has lost, like blowing a 17-0 lead and losing by one score three times, and it hasn’t been a fun experience for Nittany Lion fans.

But zooming out a bit, there are still reasons for optimism to be found.

1. Defensive Standouts

Penn State’s defense has been the strongest unit this season, and while it’s not the best Nittany Lion defense in recent years, it still features several standout players who are worth watching.

Paramount among that group is linebacker Tony Rojas, who became the first player since Micah Parsons in 2019 to record double-digit tackles in three consecutive games, with 12 against Northwestern, 10 against USC and 12 against the Wolverines.

In addition to flying around the field, Rojas has been elite when rushing the passer, responsible for five of the team’s nine total sacks in 2026.

Behind him, Penn State has an argument for having the best cornerback room in the country, including Audavion Collins, Daryus Dixson, Josiah Zayas, Zion Tracy and Jahmir Joseph. Dixson and Joseph are second-year players, while Zayas is a freshman, but all five have NFL potential.

Collins has been a standout player this season, allowing just four catches on 14 targets with five pass breakups, per PFF. Dixson is holding opponents to 5-for-16 passing with two breakups and an interception. Zayas and Tracy have combined for three picks and three breakups.

While the run defense has struggled, there are all-conference caliber players worth watching the rest of the year, especially in Terry Smith’s position room.

2. Koby Howard’s Return

Arguably the Nittany Lions’ top offensive weapon, Howard is expected to return as early as the Purdue game on Halloween, bringing an explosive element to the passing game.

Howard quickly became a fan favorite with a breakout start to the season, totaling 12 receptions for 344 yards and two touchdowns during nonconference play.

In his absence, fifth-year wideout Chase Sowell has emerged as a viable downfield threat for Penn State, so the return could really elevate the passing attack with two pass catchers better than anything the team has had in years.

Additionally, Howard is just a true sophomore and has at least one more season before a potential NFL departure. Barring a transfer, he’ll be a Nittany Lion for at least another season.

3. Rutgers, Maryland on the schedule

For as bad as Penn State’s season has been, perennial conference doormats Rutgers and Maryland are still looking worse.

The Scarlet Knights sit at 2-4 overall with wins against FCS program Howard and the Terrapins, a battle one of these teams had to win. They’ve lost to UMass and Boston College, teams likely worse than the Nittany Lions.

Maryland sits at 2-5 and is riding a five-game losing streak, including three blowout losses. If Mike Locksley is still the head coach for the season finale against Penn State, he may not be after the game.

Even with an 0-4 start to conference play, the Nittany Lions should be squarely favored over both teams, which could provide two conference wins and some momentum to close out the year.

4. Transitions take time

While it hasn’t been pretty, and other first-year head coaches around the country have had more immediate success, there is a history of good coaches struggling in Year 1.

For example, the consensus greatest coach of all time, Nick Saban, went 7-6 during his first campaign at Alabama, including a 6-6 regular season record. He went on to win six national championships and set countless other records with the Crimson Tide.

Also, the winningest head coach in college football history and a familiar one for Penn State fans, Joe Paterno went 5-5 in his first season in 1966. 

Those aren’t exactly fair comparisons given additional context and the era in which they happened, but it’s a reminder that the first year isn’t always pretty and doesn’t define a coaching tenure.

5. Transfer Turnarounds

In the current iteration of college football, roster turnover is higher than it’s ever been. Between departures and arrivals, the transfer portal creates a new element of offseason chaos that can quickly flip a team.

After experiencing the caliber of play and type of athlete in the Big Ten, Campbell and his staff will have a chance to attack the portal hard and rework the team over the offseason.

Some hits at key positions could quickly return the Nittany Lions to College Football Playoff contention. This staff has hung its hat on talent identification and development, so this offseason will be a chance to prove that.