Penn State football is stepping into a new era with head coach Matt Campbell at the helm. He’s gearing up for his debut season, and honestly, there’s a lot of anticipation in the air.
The Nittany Lions finished 7-6 last year, but the program looks pretty different now. More than 50 new players have joined, shaking up the depth chart in a big way.
They’re projected to open inside the Top 25 national rankings, which feels about right. Penn State kicks off its 2026 schedule on Sept. 5 against Marshall at Beaver Stadium.
As part of the Countdown to Kickoff series, let’s put the spotlight on offensive lineman Chimdy Onoh. He’s expected to make some noise this season.
Chimdy Onoh: The Basics
Chimdy Onoh is a redshirt junior and stands an impressive 6-foot-5, weighing in at 320 pounds. He comes from Dundalk, Maryland, where he built a reputation as a standout offensive tackle recruit.
He first committed to Old Dominion, but things changed when Penn State, Michigan State, Ole Miss, and Rutgers entered the mix. In February 2023, Onoh picked the Nittany Lions, wrapping up his recruitment as a four-star prospect.
He finished as the No. 4 player in Maryland and the No. 13 offensive tackle in the country. In high school, he earned second-team all-state honors and won two Maryland state titles in shot put and discus.
College Career So Far
Onoh started his Penn State journey with fellow linemen J’ven Williams, Alex Birchmeier, and Anthony Donkoh in the Class of 2023. As a true freshman, he saw limited game action but kept his redshirt status intact.
He played in two non-conference games in 2023, logging 17 snaps. Onoh entered the program at 275 pounds but bulked up to over 320 pounds by the 2024 preseason camp.
He shifted his focus to the guard position and got on the field against Kent State and Maryland in 2024. Onoh also contributed on special teams in four postseason games, even though his playing time remained limited.
2025 Season and Beyond
In 2025, Onoh made a brief appearance at guard in the season opener against Nevada. The offseason saw big changes, as Alex Birchmeier and J’ven Williams transferred out to Liberty and Charlotte.
Onoh has totaled 38 offensive snaps over three college seasons. His growth and ability to play multiple positions make him a valuable piece for Penn State moving forward.
2026 Outlook
Onoh heads into 2026 with eligibility through 2027, so there’s still time for him to carve out a bigger role. The new coaching staff has him cross-training, getting reps at both guard and tackle during practice.
During the Blue-White festivities, he lined up as a backup right tackle. That versatility could help him find more opportunities.
Depth Chart and Playing Time
Onoh faces tough competition for regular snaps. The projected starting five features Anthony Donkoh and Malachi Goodman at tackle, Trebor Buhr and Cooper Cousins at guard, and Brock Riker at center.
Backups like Owen Aliciene, Garrett Sexton, Vaea Ikakoula, and Dominic Rulli are also in the mix. Whether Onoh cracks the two-deep roster might depend on the health of the offensive line and how much more he develops.
For more on Chimdy Onoh’s journey and Penn State football’s preparations, check out the full article on Penn State Football Transfer Offensive Line Chimdy Onoh Season Kickoff Countdown.
Penn State Basketball Returns to The Palestra
Penn State basketball is making headlines too, with a return to The Palestra for the 2026-27 season. The Nittany Lions will take on Pittsburgh on Nov. 8, marking the 150th meeting between the two programs.
This game is part of The Palestra’s 100th anniversary celebration. It should be a memorable night for fans and players.
A Historic Venue
The Palestra is one of college basketball’s true icons and has a special place in Penn State’s history. The Nittany Lions have played 64 games there, going 25-39 overall.
This year’s matchup against Pittsburgh will be the fifth straight season Penn State has played at The Palestra, following games against Purdue, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.
Upcoming Schedule
Penn State’s 2026-27 non-conference slate looks pretty interesting. They’re set to play in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, which will include Memphis, Mississippi State, and Wake Forest.
There’s also an exhibition lined up against St. Bonaventure in Buffalo, N.Y., on Oct. 18. That one’s worth circling on the calendar, if only for the location alone.
Mike Rhoades is still at the helm. The hope is that Penn State can step things up after last season and really shake things up in the Big Ten.
With football and basketball both right around the corner, there’s honestly a lot for Penn State fans to get excited about. Updates and more coverage are coming soon—so maybe keep an eye out.
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