Penn State's Matt Campbell cites lack of identity for poor start

ESPN • October 6, 2026 • sports

Key Points:

Penn State coach Matt Campbell cites the team's poor start in Big Ten play to inconsistency and a lack of clear identity, especially in the run game and overall offensive, defensive, and special teams performance.
The team struggled significantly in recent games, rushing for only 119 yards against Wisconsin and being outrushed 413-48 in a loss to Northwestern.
Campbell emphasized the importance of establishing standards and expectations, noting that the team is still in the early stages of building its identity under his leadership in his first year.
Despite setbacks, Campbell remains confident in his players and views current adversity as a necessary part of growth and development.
Penn State will face No. 19 USC on Saturday, aiming to avoid starting 0-3 in Big Ten play for the second consecutive year.