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It is clear that after a pretty trying season last year, which proved to be James Franklin's last, the Nittany Lions needed a culture reset. Enter Matt Campbell, along with several key transfers from Iowa State, to give Penn State a new feel and new approach. However, one factor above all could play into Penn State's hands even more than a new hire boost: an easy schedule along the way. In Matt Campbell's first season with the team, it could end up being a blessing in disguise.
According to CBS Sports, Penn State has the 10th easiest schedule among Power 4 programs. With only three teams on their schedule in the site's post-spring top 25, a solid start to a new era of Penn State football does not seem out of the question. Even CBS Sports is quick to acknowledge it.
Check out the full 2026 Penn State football schedule
"A nine-win first season for Matt Campbell without beating a single ranked opponent? It's possible, if not likely, for the Nittany Lions", the article states.
The most insane part about Penn State's schedule is that they get arguably most of their toughest matchups at home. The USC Trojans come to town on Oct. 10 for a potential White Out game, while Wisconsin should be a pretty interesting Big Ten opener. While they do end up having to go to Ann Arbor and Seattle to take on Michigan and Washington, respectively, a win over USC at Beaver Stadium in a White Out environment could end up being electrifying.
At the end of the day, there could be a wide variety of outcomes when it comes to Penn State's schedule. Still, as CBS Sports puts it, "For a roster talented enough to win immediately, Penn State's schedule gives Campbell something every new coach welcomes: confidence."
And the squad would want it no other way.
Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: CBS Sports acknowledges Penn State's easy schedule
Continue reading...
According to CBS Sports, Penn State has the 10th easiest schedule among Power 4 programs. With only three teams on their schedule in the site's post-spring top 25, a solid start to a new era of Penn State football does not seem out of the question. Even CBS Sports is quick to acknowledge it.
Check out the full 2026 Penn State football schedule
"A nine-win first season for Matt Campbell without beating a single ranked opponent? It's possible, if not likely, for the Nittany Lions", the article states.
The most insane part about Penn State's schedule is that they get arguably most of their toughest matchups at home. The USC Trojans come to town on Oct. 10 for a potential White Out game, while Wisconsin should be a pretty interesting Big Ten opener. While they do end up having to go to Ann Arbor and Seattle to take on Michigan and Washington, respectively, a win over USC at Beaver Stadium in a White Out environment could end up being electrifying.
At the end of the day, there could be a wide variety of outcomes when it comes to Penn State's schedule. Still, as CBS Sports puts it, "For a roster talented enough to win immediately, Penn State's schedule gives Campbell something every new coach welcomes: confidence."
And the squad would want it no other way.
Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: CBS Sports acknowledges Penn State's easy schedule
Continue reading...
