The College Football Playoff is straight up easier to get into now, thanks to that controversial expansion to 12 teams back in 2024. Penn State, a team that never once sniffed the dance before that change, is suddenly gaining serious steam as a contender for the 2026 season. They had some regression last year, sure, but the Nittany Lions are already getting billed as one of the biggest dark horses to win a national championship.
The Schedule Lottery Win
ESPN reporter Greg McElroy spilled the beans on his “Always College Football” podcast, dropping a massive truth bomb. He said, “The softest landing in the Big Ten this year got handed to a guy that might have a legitimate chance to make the playoff in year No. 1. I really think that’s possible for Penn State this year.” And honestly, he is not wrong. The Nittany Lions drew the golden ticket with their 2026 schedule. They face just two teams, Michigan and USC, who are even projected to be ranked. Think about it: they completely sidestep Oregon and Ohio State! And get this, they also dodged a rematch with the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers, a team they nearly took down last year during the regular season. This schedule is a massive break, making a playoff run seem way more realistic than anyone imagined just a few months ago.
Building Block For Success
It is not just luck with the schedule, though. Penn State is also leaning into some serious roster continuity under head coach Matt Campbell. He is bringing in an influx of his Iowa State players, which can seriously solidify the team’s core. Plus, they have got returning players coming back from injury or stepping into starting roles, giving them potential upgrades across the field. All these pieces, from Campbell’s leadership to the returning talent, are coming together to give Penn State a real shot at getting into the College Football Playoff.
Just six more weeks, folks, and the Nittany Lions kick off their season. This is a playoff push that looked impossible only a few months ago, but with this schedule and the talent coming together, it feels incredibly real now. Get ready to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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