Getting to know Penn State ahead of matchup vs Michigan

Michigan vs. Penn State is a matchup that usually has a good amount of buzz surrounding it. This year it’s the opposite, with both teams struggling midway through the season. Despite poor results for both teams, it’s still a big game. Michigan would fall to .500 with a loss, while Penn State would fall below that threshold if they lose.

Here’s a look at what you need to know about the 2026 Penn State Nittany Lions.

2026 Rankings

• Passing offense: 52
• Rushing offense: 90
• Total offense: 72
• Scoring offense: 65
• Time of possession: 66
• Third-down conversion % offense: 97
• Total defense: 36
• Team sacks: 111
• Passing yards allowed: 6
• Rushing defense: 105
• Scoring defense: 32
• Turnover margin: 19
• Fumbles recovered: 22
• Third-down conversion % defense: 7

PFF data

• Overall: 41
• Offense: 20
• Defense: 17
• SOS played: 80
• % run plays: 46.4%
• % pass plays: 53.6%

2026 season so far (3-3)

• Week 1: 45-0 Win vs. Marshall
• Week 2: 27-9 Win at Temple
• Week 3: 55-13 Win vs. Buffalo
• Week 4: 24-20 Loss vs. Wisconsin
• Week 5: 34-13 Loss at Northwestern
• Week 6: 31-23 Loss vs. USC

Head coach profile

This is Matt Campbell’s first season with Penn State after serving as Iowa State’s head coach from 2016-25. Campbell went 72-55 at Iowa State, including 50-40 in the Big 12 and 5-5 in bowl games. Prior to Iowa State, Campbell went 35-15 as Toledo’s head coach. Campbell had just two seasons under .500 at ISU and none at Toled, but Penn State is facing a sub-.500 scenario in his first year on the job.

Statistical leaders on offense

• QB Rocco Becht: An Iowa State transfer, Becht has thrown for 1,392 yards this season with 11 touchdowns, four interceptions and a 62.7% completion rate. Becht has thrown for 10,671 yards in his career with 75 touchdowns and 30 interceptions.
• Penn State has two running backs with nearly identical stats — Ohio State transfer James Peoples has 232 rushing yards with two touchdowns and Iowa State transfer Carson Hansen has 227 yards with three touchdowns.
• WR Chase Sowell: The Iowa State transfer leads Penn State with 23 receptions, 359 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

A major standout on defense

Linebacker Tony Rojas leads Penn State in multiple categories including tackles (43), tackles for loss (8.5), sacks (4), interceptions (2). Rojas also has a forced fumble this season.

Injury report