Area media members predict upcoming PSU football season
Penn State football 2026
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Last year some area journalists thought Penn State could run the table on its 2025 season and instead, head coach James Franklin was run right out of town.
Gone is Franklin and in is Matt Campbell, plus a multitude of uncertainty. Who knows how things are going to turn out, especially with all the new faces in University Park this fall. It all starts this Saturday when the Nittany Lions and Campbell debut against visiting Marshall with a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
Here's how some selected media see the season going for the Nittany Lions:
Michael Boytim, Altoona Mirror: 9-3. Comment: I really have no idea, which should make this season a fun one.
Scott Franco, Altoona Mirror: 9-3. Comment: I think Michigan and Washington are going to be hard places to win at on the road, plus I think there could be a stumble against someone who catches Penn State by surprise.
Buck Frank, Altoona Mirror: 9-3. Comment: With so much turnover, it's difficult to make a sound prediction on Penn State's season. But you could say that about nearly every team in college football nowadays.
Cory Giger, Lightner Communications: 9-3: Comment: The Penn State Cyclones might not be a great team, but the schedule is easy enough to expect at least 9-3. Anything better would be a strong debut for Matt Campbell. Anything worse, we'll already begin to hear chirping from concerned PSU fans.
Kyle Golik, Nittany Sports Now: 8-4. Comment: Could this team finish 10-2 and earn a College Football Playoff berth? Absolutely. The talent is there, particularly with the veteran additions on offense and an experienced roster, but until Penn State proves it can consistently win the biggest games under a new coaching staff, I'm projecting an 8-4 season. The ceiling is high, but the Nittany Lions still have to earn it on the field.
Riley Holsinger, WTAJ: 9-3. Comment: An announcement is released during this season that Pitt and Penn State will play each other in the near future.
John Hartsock, Altoona Mirror: 9-3. Comment: Very navigable schedule, with trips to Michigan and Washington the biggest hurdles. There always seems to be one loss every year that is unexpected though.
Jarrod Prugar, Altoona Mirror/Nittany Sports Now: 10-2. Comment: Last year, I joined Neil in believing in the gospel of James Franklin and thankfully I was dead wrong. Penn State is under far better leadership now, but with a lot of unknowns in many areas I wouldn't be shocked with a setback at the Big House or losing one of USC or Washington.
Neil Rudel, Altoona Mirror: 9-3. Comment: I've already been reminded about my 12-0 pick of last year. Hey -- that wasn't my fault. It was Franklin's. With so much new this season, and lack of depth at quarterback, I'll scale it back to 9-3. Maybe an upset somewhere (USC or at Michigan) but maybe an unexpected loss somewhere, too.
Andy Stine, Altoona Mirror: 10-2. Comment: Your guess is as good as mine right now, but that schedule shouldn't scare anybody.