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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Post-USC Update • 2026
PENN STATE
DEPTH CHART
Penn State is 3-3 after a 31-23 loss to USC. Next: at Michigan on October 17.Check game-confirmed personnel, archived USC injury notes and Michigan's 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
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 31-23 USC loss, with Michigan next on October 17.
Quarterback
Confirmed QB1
Becht started against USC and passed for 289 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. No quarterback change is confirmed.
Running Back
Committee Read
Hansen started against USC and led the backs with 14 carries for 28 yards and a touchdown; Peoples added seven for 20. Michigan’s carry split is unconfirmed.
Defensive Reset
Run Defense Watch
USC gained 430 total yards, including 129 rushing. Patton and Cooper started at safety; Nnodim played. Friday’s injury snapshot is archived, not Michigan clearance.
Offense Priorities
Updated October 11, 2026Quarterback
Matt Campbell has a game-confirmed veteran starter with younger depth behind him.
Skill Positions
Penn State rushed for 68 yards against USC. Its opening offense included three tight ends; Howard is not listed among participants.
Wisconsin RB Usage
ActiveJames Peoples
#1 • RB
Wisconsin: 67 rushing yards on 14 carries. Ohio State 2025 background: 344 yards and 3 rushing TDs.
USC Availability (Archived)
Archived OutKoby Howard
#6 • WR
Archived USC status: Friday’s report listed Howard out and the game book does not list him among participants. Michigan availability is unconfirmed; 344 yards remains a three-game total.
USC participation is game-specific. Friday’s report is historical and does not establish Michigan availability.
Defense Checkpoints
Updated October 11, 2026Defensive 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 started against USC and recorded one assisted tackle. The opening lineup does not establish every package or Michigan’s snap share.
Interior Force
ActiveDallas Vakalahi
#98 • DT
Dallas Vakalahi transferred from Utah and gives the interior line another experienced Power Four body.
Back Seven
Rojas had ten tackles, a sack and a forced fumble against USC. Patton and Cooper started at safety; Neal participated.
Defensive QB
ActiveTony Rojas
#13 • LB
Rojas had ten tackles, a sack and a forced fumble against USC. Those totals do not establish Michigan’s snap count or every package assignment.
CB1 / Nickel
ActiveZion Tracy
#7 • CB
Tracy started against USC and had five tackles, half a tackle for loss and a pass breakup. That confirms one game’s role, not Michigan’s final corner/nickel order.
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
2026 Penn State Through Wisconsin
Games Played4
Carries37
Rushing Yards199
View Full Profile
13
#13
Tony Rojas
LB
YearRedshirt Junior
HometownFairfax
2026 Penn State Through Wisconsin
Games Played4
Games Started4
Tackles22
View Full Profile
LATEST INTEL
Roster updates, game analysis, and recruiting notes.
Game Recap
USC 31, Penn State 23: Personnel Notes and Archived White Out Preview
USC won the October 10 White Out 31-23. See the verified result, game-book personnel notes and clearly archived pregame time, TV and availability guide.
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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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