Northwestern Football Know Your Opponent: Penn State Nittany Lions

Northwestern’s “Know Your Opponent” preview centers on the matchup with Penn State, framed as a Friday showdown tied to the first game at the new Ryan Field. The article positions Oct. 2 as a chance for the Wildcats to start strong in their new venue, or for the Nittany Lions to seek revenge after last season. Penn State is described as having returned 52% of production overall, with 50% on offense and 53% on defense, and it lists head coach Matt Campbell as in his first season. The piece reviews Penn State’s 2025 record as 7–6 (3–6 Big Ten) after a mid-season collapse that included a six-game losing streak, capped by a three-game regular-season run and a bowl win. On offense, it highlights quarterback Rocco Becht, noting surgery in December 2025 for a partially torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, and projects an effort to return toward his 2024 form of 3,505 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.