Game Recap
Northwestern 34, Penn State 13: Run-Game Gap and Depth Chart Takeaways
Northwestern ran for 413 yards in a 34-13 win over Penn State. Tony Rojas made 12 tackles, and Chase Sowell caught a touchdown.
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USC White Out Week • 2026
PENN STATE
DEPTH CHART
Penn State is 3-2 after a 34-13 loss at Northwestern. Next: USC and the October 10 White Out.Check the Northwestern recap, dated injury notes, and confirmed White Out kickoff details.
Welcome to the Hub
PENN STATE
ROSTER CONTEXT
PennStateDepthChart.com tracks public roster updates, position battles, and player development notes for the Nittany Lions. Core pages are reviewed against official rosters, game reports, public statistics, and reputable coverage before major updates are published.
Updates focus on depth chart changes, snap-count trends, recruiting movement, and opponent context. Each section links back to related player profiles and articles so you can move from the "what" to the supporting notes without leaving the site.
First-time visitors should start with the depth chart preview below, jump to the schedule for upcoming matchups, and then review the latest news capsules.
QUICK NAVIGATION
- Depth ChartTrack projected starters, confidence levels, and roster context.
- QB Depth ChartReview Rocco Becht and the backup quarterback competition.
- Position TrackersCompare RB, WR/TE, and defense role boards.
- Roster LibraryBrowse key active players, transfers, and alumni context.
- Schedule HubCheck official dates, announced TV windows, and opponent notes.
Roster Tracker
DEPTH CHART OUTLOOK
Penn State's position groups after the 34-13 Northwestern loss, with USC next on October 10.
Quarterback
Confirmed QB1
Rocco Becht remains the game-confirmed QB1 after Northwestern. His 243-yard, one-touchdown, two-interception line raises performance questions, not an announced QB change.
Running Back
Committee Read
James Peoples led the Wisconsin ground game with 67 yards on 14 carries. The Buffalo committee remains background evidence, not a fixed workload promise.
Defensive Reset
Run Defense Watch
Northwestern rushed for 413 yards while four Penn State edge players were listed out. USC-week availability and package usage remain open.
Offense Priorities
UPDATED OCT 3Quarterback
Matt Campbell has a game-confirmed veteran starter with younger depth behind him.
Skill Positions
Penn State rushed for 48 yards at Northwestern; Howard was out again, and his return date remains unconfirmed.
Wisconsin RB Usage
ActiveJames Peoples
#1 • RB
Wisconsin: 67 rushing yards on 14 carries. Earlier background — Ohio State 2025: 344 yards and 3 rushing TDs.
WR Availability
OutKoby Howard
Howard missed Wisconsin and Northwestern amid an extended, non-season-ending absence. His return date is unconfirmed; his 344 yards remain a three-game total.
Earlier Wisconsin and Northwestern availability designations are game-specific. Await USC's report; practicing does not confirm game availability.
Defense Checkpoints
UPDATED OCT 3Defensive Front
Speed off the edge, power in the middle, and a rotation adjusted for Granville's season-ending injury.
Edge Rotation
RotationIkenna Ezeogu
#1 • DE
Ezeogu is an edge-rotation reference alongside Kemajou and Bacon. Earlier Buffalo evidence remains background; USC package usage still needs game-week confirmation.
Interior Force
ActiveDallas Vakalahi
#98 • DT
Dallas Vakalahi transferred from Utah and gives the interior line another experienced Power Four body.
Back Seven
Rojas made 12 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack at Northwestern, which still ran for 413 yards.
Defensive QB
ActiveTony Rojas
#13 • LB
Rojas recorded 12 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack at Northwestern. Those totals do not establish a new USC snap count or package assignment.
CB1 / Nickel
ActiveZion Tracy
#7 • CB
Zion Tracy has verified returning defensive back experience and special-teams value. Treat the final corner/nickel order as a projection until official usage confirms it.
Defensive roles can shift with the opponent and package.
IMPACT PLAYERS
Meet the standout Nittany Lions shaping the 2026 roster reset.
3
#3
Rocco Becht
QB
YearRedshirt Senior
HometownWesley Chapel
2025 Iowa State Season
Games Played12
Games Started12
Completions205
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1
#1
James Peoples
RB
YearJunior
HometownSan Antonio
2025 Ohio State Season
Games Played14
Carries61
Rushing Yards344
View Full Profile
13
#13
Tony Rojas
LB
YearRedshirt Junior
HometownFairfax
2025 Penn State Season
Games Played4
Games Started4
Tackles25
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LATEST INTEL
Roster updates, game analysis, and recruiting notes.
Game Preview
Penn State vs. USC 2026 White Out: Time, TV and Depth Chart Questions
Penn State hosts USC for the October 10 White Out at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. See the kickoff details and lineup questions after Northwestern.
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Game Recap
Wisconsin 24, Penn State 20: Comeback, Key Stats and Depth Chart Takeaways
Wisconsin erased a 17-0 deficit to beat Penn State 24-20 on September 26. Penn State then lost 34-13 at Northwestern on October 2.
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Season Schedule
SCHEDULE RESULTS
Official 2026 dates and announced broadcast windows when available for Matt Campbell's first Penn State season.
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