Herbstreit Forecasts Penn State Playoff Run Under Matt Campbell
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ESPN broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit believes a favorable schedule and a new head coach could propel the Nittany Lions back into the national title race.
ESPN broadcaster and College GameDay host Kirk Herbstreit believes Penn State is a playoff team for the 2026 season, according to reporting from Sports Illustrated. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Herbstreit cited the hiring of head coach Matt Campbell—formerly of Iowa State—as a primary driver for this potential turnaround.
Herbstreit's confidence is rooted in a schedule that avoids three major Big Ten contenders: Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon. While noting that certain road games will be difficult, Herbstreit suggested that if Penn State can reach 10 wins, they could successfully enter the playoff. He described Campbell as a perfect fit for the program's culture and history.
The Nittany Lions are attempting to rebound from a 7-6 season that began with a No. 2 preseason ranking and national championship expectations but ended in a collapse and a coaching change. Sports Illustrated reports that Campbell inherits a roster featuring transfers such as quarterback Rocco Becht, who previously played for Campbell at Iowa State.
Despite the optimism, Sports Illustrated notes that the program still faces hurdles. Questions remain regarding depth at key positions, overall consistency, and whether Campbell's system can effectively translate to the Big Ten to elevate a roster currently adjusting to new leadership. The team's toughest tests are expected to be a home game against USC and road matchups against Washington and Michigan.