Penn State Football Updates: Coaching Changes, Player Highlights, Upcoming Games

BOOK AWAY GAME TRAVEL NOW!
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences

College football never really stops changing, and right now, Penn State sits at a pretty interesting crossroads. The season’s been tough, the coaching staff’s in flux, and fans are hungry for any scrap of news they can get.

This post digs into what’s happening with Penn State football—everything from coaching rumors to player highlights and a look ahead to the next big matchup. For a more detailed rundown, check out 247Sports.

Penn State’s Coaching Carousel: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

Big changes are brewing on the coaching front. James Franklin’s future feels up in the air, and the hunt for a new head coach is heating up fast.

Plenty of names are floating around, and fans have plenty of opinions. The speculation is half the fun, isn’t it?

Five Rising Candidates

Right now, five coaches seem to be leading the pack to possibly replace Franklin:

  • Mike Elko: Duke’s head coach hasn’t closed the door on Penn State, which is interesting.
  • Sean Lewis: People know Lewis for his creative offense at Kent State—he might shake things up.
  • Matt Campbell: At Iowa State, Campbell’s built some tough teams. That kind of grit could be good here.
  • Dave Clawson: Wake Forest’s coach keeps showing up on these lists, thanks to his ACC success.
  • Joe Moorhead: Akron’s head coach and a former Penn State coordinator—he already knows the lay of the land.

Three Falling Candidates

Some coaches, though, seem less likely to land in Happy Valley:

  • Bill O’Brien: He coached here before, but it doesn’t sound like he’s itching for a comeback.
  • Luke Fickell: Cincinnati has his loyalty for now, by all accounts.
  • Brent Pry: Virginia Tech’s head coach, once a Penn State coordinator, probably isn’t headed back.

Player Performances: Who’s Standing Out?

Even with all the chaos, a few players have really stepped up. Micah Parsons, who used to star at Penn State and now plays in the NFL, just had a monster game—three sacks in one outing. That’s wild.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Offensive Highlights

The tight ends have been a bright spot on offense. They’re finding the end zone and giving the team a little extra juice when they need it most.

Defensive Standouts

The defense has been up and down, but you can’t say they aren’t fighting. Some guys are still making big plays, and that’s kept Penn State in games longer than expected.

Upcoming Game: Penn State vs. Ohio State

The showdown with No. 1 Ohio State is almost here. Penn State heads to Columbus, and honestly, it feels like a make-or-break moment.

Game Details

Circle Saturday, November 1, at noon. FOX has the broadcast, with Gus Johnson calling the action, Joel Klatt in the booth, and Jenny Taft on the sideline. If you’re not near a TV, Fubo TV’s got a live stream.

Big Noon Kickoff

FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff will be on-site starting at 10 a.m. Eastern. Expect plenty of takes from Rob Stone, Urban Meyer, Brady Quinn, Matt Leinart, Dave Portnoy, Mark Ingram, and Chris “The Bear” Fallica.

Season Recap: Highs and Lows

This season’s been a real rollercoaster. Some weeks, Penn State looked unstoppable, and others… well, not so much.

Early Victories

Things kicked off with strong wins against Nevada, FIU, and Villanova. Those games gave fans hope and set the bar high.

Mid-Season Struggles

Then came the tough stretch—losses to Oregon, UCLA, Northwestern, and Iowa. Each loss stung, especially the close ones.

Fan Engagement and Community Support

Through it all, the Penn State fan base hasn’t lost its fire. The online chatter never really slows down, and everyone seems to have an opinion about what’s next.

VIP Subscription Offers

If you’re looking for even more inside info, Lions247’s VIP packages are worth a look. Subscribers get exclusive analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and even free access to Paramount+ Premium. Not a bad deal if you ask me.

Join the Conversation

Jump in and chat with other fans. Got thoughts on coaching hires or player performances?

Share your take—your voice really does matter here. The Penn State community’s always buzzing with fresh opinions.

BOOK AWAY GAME TRAVEL NOW!
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
 

Want more news or in-depth updates on Penn State football? Check out 247Sports.

Joe Hughes
Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

    Additional Reading:
Advertisement
Advertisement
Scroll to Top