Game Preview
Penn State vs. Purdue 2026: Kickoff, TV and Depth Chart Questions
Penn State hosts Purdue Oct. 31 at 4:15 p.m. ET on BTN. Thursday’s report: Howard and Sowell questionable, McPherson probable. Series lead 17-3-1.
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Purdue Week • 2026
PENN STATE
DEPTH CHART
Penn State is 3-4 after a 21-18 loss at Michigan. Next: Purdue at home on October 31, All-U Day.October 26 game notes: Penn State leads the series 17-3-1. Kickoff is 4:15 p.m. ET on BTN.
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 21-18 Michigan loss, with Purdue at home on October 31.
Quarterback
Confirmed QB1
Becht passed for 267 yards at Michigan, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Campbell backed him as the starter on October 20.
Running Back
Committee Read
Hansen started at Michigan with 15 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. Peoples added five carries for 14 yards; Martin had two for two.
Defensive Reset
Run Defense Watch
Michigan rushed for 211 yards. Thursday’s report lists Alexander McPherson as probable. Campbell has moved Marcus Neal Jr. to linebacker full time. Tatsch is out for the season.
Offense Priorities
Updated October 30, 2026Quarterback
Matt Campbell has a game-confirmed veteran starter with younger depth behind him.
Skill Positions
Penn State rushed for 65 yards at Michigan. Sowell caught 11 passes for 151 yards; the opening offense again included three tight ends.
Michigan RB Usage
ActiveJames Peoples
#1 • RB
Michigan: five carries for 14 yards and one catch for five yards. Hansen led the backs with 15 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Purdue Injury Watch
QuestionableKoby Howard
#6 • WR
Thursday’s report lists Howard as questionable. He has not played since Buffalo on September 19. His 344 receiving yards remain a three-game total.
Sowell is also questionable. Alexander McPherson is probable. Further reports are scheduled for 8 p.m. ET Friday and 2:15 p.m. ET Saturday. This is not an official two-deep.
Defense Checkpoints
Updated October 30, 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 at Michigan with Blanding, Taupaki and Keanu Williams in the opening front. The game book does not supply snap shares.
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 and a sack at Michigan. Campbell moved Marcus Neal Jr. from safety to linebacker on a permanent basis. Tatsch is out for the rest of the season.
Defensive QB
ActiveTony Rojas
#13 • LB
Michigan: 12 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. PennLive credits Neal with 20 tackles and two forced fumbles after his move into the linebacker room with Rojas, Ebel and Brezina.
CB1 / Nickel
ActiveZion Tracy
#7 • CB
Tracy started at Michigan and had three tackles, half a tackle for loss and an interception. Purdue’s opening package remains unannounced.
Thursday’s report does not list Cam Smith, Dayshaun Burnett or LaVar Arrington II. The Big Ten treats an unlisted player as available. That is not a published snap count.
IMPACT PLAYERS
Meet the standout Nittany Lions shaping the 2026 roster reset.
3
#3
Rocco Becht
QB
YearRedshirt Senior
HometownWesley Chapel
2026 Penn State Through Michigan
Games Played7
Completions132
Pass Attempts210
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1
#1
James Peoples
RB
YearJunior
HometownSan Antonio
2026 Penn State Through Michigan
Games Played7
Carries57
Rushing Yards246
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13
#13
Tony Rojas
LB
YearRedshirt Junior
HometownFairfax
2026 Penn State Through Michigan
Games Played7
Games Started7
Tackles56
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LATEST INTEL
Roster updates, game analysis, and recruiting notes.
Player Analysis
What Chase Sowell’s 151-Yard Michigan Game Means for Penn State’s WR Rotation
Sowell’s 15 targets and 11 catches at Michigan made him the passing game’s focal point. Thursday’s report lists him and Koby Howard questionable for Purdue.
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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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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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