PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS

Penn State went 13-3 in 2024, reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals before losing to Notre Dame, then suffered a historic collapse in 2025, finishing 7-6 after becoming the first FBS program to lose back-to-back games as a 20-point favorite. The 2025 NFL Draft saw defensive end Abdul Carter go third overall to the Giants and tight end Tyler Warren 14th to the Colts, with five Nittany Lions drafted total, while the 2026 draft sent eight players to the NFL including guard Vega Ioane 14th overall and quarterback Drew Allar to Pittsburgh in the third round. The midseason firing of head coach James Franklin in October 2025 triggered a recruiting exodus and roster upheaval, cooling interest in returning players while running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen saw their draft stock fall to the fifth and sixth rounds after sharing carries.

Where they stand: New head coach Matt Campbell quickly rebuilt the 2026 recruiting class after Franklin's firing, bringing in a 15-player group that ranked 65th nationally, with 39 transfers joining a 104-player roster for 2026. The team opened training camp in early August with Iowa State transfers like linebacker Cael Brezina and defensive end Max Granville returning from injury, while freshman receiver Amarion Jackson drew praise as one of Campbell's most impressive freshmen in 12 years. The Nittany Lions are in preseason preparation mode ahead of the 2026 season opener.