Penn State prepares for 2026 season opener against Marshall

Penn State is set to begin its 2026 football season against Marshall at Beaver Stadium on September 5. The matchup marks the debut of head coach Matt Campbell, who joins the program following a 10-year tenure at Iowa State.

The roster features significant turnover, with over 55 percent of the team being new to the program, including 40 transfers. Veteran quarterback Rocco Becht is expected to start, bringing 39 career starts to the position. Redshirt freshman Alex Manske is also projected to see game action; Manske recently returned to football after undergoing open-heart surgery to treat a dilated aorta.

Defensively, the team features several players on various award watch lists, including linebacker Tony Rojas. The game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff and will be broadcast on FS1.