Penn State Nittany Lions
2026-06-16 · Sports Illustrated
The Penn State Nittany Lions are facing early betting odds that position them as underdogs for the anticipated 2026 White Out game against USC. Scheduled for October 10 at Beaver Stadium, this matchup marks the Trojans' first visit to State College since 1994. According to DraftKings, Penn State is currently a 1.5-point underdog, despite their recent success against USC, including a victory in overtime during their last meeting in 2024. The Nittany Lions, ranked No. 17 in ESPN's early SP+ rankings, are set to have a challenging season, with USC being their toughest opponent on the schedule. Additionally, Penn State is also projected to be an underdog against Michigan the following week, with early odds favoring the Wolverines by 6.5 points. This comes after Penn State has struggled against Michigan in recent years, losing three straight matchups. The Nittany Lions are looking to bounce back from a mixed performance last season and are expected to field one of the most experienced teams in the nation, thanks to new head coach Matt Campbell's recruitment efforts, which included 55 new players. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Campbell emphasizes the importance of building a competitive roster capable of championship-level football. With the season opener against Marshall set for September 5, the Nittany Lions are currently favored by 23.5 points, setting the stage for an intriguing 2026 campaign.