Penn State spring optimism
Nearly 70 recruits have been confirmed for Penn State’s spring practice visits — a huge recruiting spike that underscores the program’s momentum under Matt Campbell . Bookmakers project a 9.5-win season for the Nittany Lions in 2026 (FanDuel’s line), and Sports Illustrated is already comparing Campbell’s hire favorably to James Franklin’s as a long-term program builder — all signals of high expectations this spring [](https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/football/who-hired-better-penn-state-with-matt-campbell-or-virginia-tech-with-james-franklin?).
Penn State announced 48 roster additions this offseason — 39 came from the transfer portal and 24 specifically followed Matt Campbell from Iowa State. 247sports.com Former Iowa State starter quarterback Rocco Becht has joined the Nittany Lions and is listed as the presumptive starter in the post-hire roster shakeup. 247sports.com Penn State set its Blue‑White weekend for April 25, designating that date as the 15th and final spring practice and a planned chance for the wave of new transfers to take the field at Beaver Stadium. si.com Top high-school targets are scheduling visits too — quarterback Will Mencl has spring visits to Penn State on his list — and national outlets note Campbell’s stock rising, with The Athletic placing Campbell at No. 11 and James Franklin at No. 14 in recent power rankings (an angle highlighted by Sports Illustrated). duckswire.usatoday.com
