We’re only one week into the 2026 college football season and the Big Ten has already had some crazy games. Looking at you, Michigan.

Penn State is currently favored in every single conference matchup, so a 12-0 season is certainly on the table. With nine conference games fast approaching, here’s an early look at what’s coming up for the Nittany Lions.

Wisconsin (September 26)

Wisconsin’s 2026 season started with a 41-13 blowout loss to No. 4-ranked Notre Dame at Lambeau Field.

In the season opener, senior quarterback Colton Joseph completed 19 of 30 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown. He also threw one interception. The Badger run game struggled against a stout Fighting Irish defensive front. Penn State is no Notre Dame, yet, but the defense looked solid against Marshall and should be able to keep up with Wisconsin.

As long as the defense stays strong and the offense keeps flowing, Penn State shouldn’t have much to worry about with the Badgers.

Northwestern (October 2)

Northwestern is coming off a 6-6 regular season and a bowl game victory over Central Michigan in 2025. The Wildcats’ solid season included a 22-21 victory over Penn State that led to James Franklin’s firing.

The Wildcats kicked off 2026 by beating South Dakota State, 34-18. Senior quarterback Aidan Chiles looked comfortable, completing 14 of 24 passes for 274 yards and a touchdown, and senior running back Joseph Himon II broke away for an 80-yard score.

Meanwhile, the Wildcat defense struggled, allowing 432 yards of offense against an FCS school. Penn State should be able to put up big numbers against this team.

No. 14 USC (October 10)

USC has already played two games this year, defeating San Jose State 42-26 and blowing out Fresno State 39-0. The Trojans finished 2025 with a 9-3 record, narrowly missing the College Football Playoff and losing the Valero Alamo Bowl to TCU.

So far, USC has done what is expected of them, beating two inferior opponents. Senior quarterback Jayden Maiava has thrown for 635 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver Trent Mosley caught three of those scores.

The Trojan defense could have done better against the Spartans, but they bounced back to shut out Fresno State. It won’t be easy for the Nittany Lion offense, but after the impressive showing against Marshall, I know they have what it takes to get the job done.

USC is still the biggest challenge on Penn State’s schedule, but with some White Out momentum and some insider info from former Trojan defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, who joined the Penn State staff this offseason, the Nittany Lions can absolutely win this game.

Michigan (October 17)

In my preseason opponent power rankings, I put Michigan all the way up at No. 2. After Week 1, however, they might not even crack the top half. The Wolverines barely beat Western Michigan 13-12 and needed a controversial last-second Hail Mary to win.

Sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood lived up to his nickname, “Bryce Underwhelming,” completing just 12 of 22 passes for 170 yards, 47 of which came on the final play. Underwood had one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown, as well as an interception.

Overall, the Wolverine defense looked fine, but the offense could not move the ball at all. Michigan has (rightfully) been dropped from the AP Poll, and I think Penn State will be just fine against the Wolverines.

Purdue (October 31)

Purdue has been the worst team in the Big Ten for the last three seasons. The Boilermakers’ last conference win came against Indiana in 2023.

While nothing about Purdue says they’ll be any better in conference play this year, they did get the job done in Week 1, beating Indiana State 44-19. Not every Big Ten team can say that. Junior quarterback Ryan Browne threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

Nittany Lions have a bye week between Michigan and Purdue, so a well-rested Penn State team should do just fine against the Boilermakers.

No. 19 Washington (November 7)

The Huskies won their Week 1 rivalry game against Washington State, 24-10. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 61 yards and another touchdown.

Washington’s defense looked strong against a solid opponent, holding them to just 242 yards of offense and 10 points.

Washington remains one of the toughest matchups for Penn State, as the Nittany Lions have to travel cross-country to play in a very challenging environment at Husky Stadium. However, the Nittany Lions are currently favored to beat the Huskies, so a Penn State win is definitely on the table.

Minnesota (November 14)

Minnesota dominated Eastern Illinois 59-7 in Week 1, putting up 495 yards of offense while the defense held the Panthers to just 110 yards. Quarterback Drake Lindsey threw for 264 yards and a touchdown, and running back Darius Taylor found the end zone three times.

Minnesota has been a sneakily solid team in the Big Ten recently, finishing 5-4 in conference play each of the last two seasons. If they can produce the same way they did in Week 1 against stronger opponents, the Golden Gophers will certainly find themselves on the AP Poll before their Week 11 trip to Happy Valley.

That being said, they still have a lot to prove before I worry about them beating Penn State.

Rutgers (November 21)

Rutgers had a very disappointing Week 1, to say the least. Losing to a UMass team that went 0-12 in 2025 and hadn’t beaten an FBS school since 2023 is enough to make even the biggest hater feel bad.

Don’t feel bad for too long, though; the Scarlet Knight fans were still chanting “F- Penn State!” throughout the game.

Star receiver KJ Duff is still a force to be reckoned with, catching nine passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.

Unless someone besides Duff steps up for the Scarlet Knight offense, Penn State’s defense should be able to hold them in check. On the other side of the ball, the Nittany Lions should be able to put up big numbers against a defense that gave up 37 points to UMass.

Maryland (November 28)

Maryland put up the most points of any Big Ten school in Week 1, thrashing Hampton 62-0. Six different players scored touchdowns in the dominant Terrapin victory.

Running back DeJuan Williams opened the scoring with a 94-yard run, and Maryland never looked back. The offense put up 646 yards while the defense made three interceptions and held Hampton to just 85 offensive yards.

The Terrapins did what was expected against a far inferior opponent. If both sides of the ball keep up the good work against better competition, they can become a real threat later in the season.

Penn State shouldn’t even be thinking about the last game of the regular season yet, but if they are, they should still be thinking of it as a win.