Chicago, Ill. — It is the Big Ten’s turn for its annual media days, where Penn State will be represented by head coach Matt Campbell, quarterback Rocco Becht, linebacker Tony Rojas and offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh.
Here are five key storylines to watch from Chicago ahead of Penn State’s media availability.
#1 Matt Campbell Defines What Year 1 Success Looks Like
In a lot of ways, the foundation of Penn State’s 2026 team includes many of the same key pieces from Campbell’s 2024 Iowa State squad that won a program-record 11 games and came within reach of a College Football Playoff berth.
Penn State has a favorable schedule, and a 10-2 season is certainly within reach.
Campbell is not going to make guarantees or lay out a precise definition of success, but he will begin painting a picture of what he believes success should look like in his first season at Penn State.
How he frames that vision will be noteworthy because it is the first time Campbell will truly be under the microscope as Penn State’s head coach.
#2 Rocco Becht’s Health And Leadership
Becht has spent much of the offseason rehabilitating injuries and is expected to be ready for Week 1 against Marshall on Sept. 5.
If there are any lingering issues, this is not the setting where Becht is likely to reveal them. Instead, the focus will be on how comfortable and confident he appears while answering questions.
As the FBS active leader in career wins by a starting quarterback (26), Becht’s leadership is already well established.
Following Penn State’s Blue-White Practice, offensive lineman Cooper Cousins credited Becht with helping create a pivotal team moment that brought the locker room closer together.
What Penn State fans want to hear is a tone of confidence and determination from a quarterback intent on maximizing his final season of eligibility.
#3 Tony Rojas On His Fourth Defensive Coordinator Transition
Manny Diaz. Tom Allen. Jim Knowles. Now D’Anton Lynn.
Linebacker Tony Rojas has experienced both successful and challenging coaching transitions during his career.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.While he is unlikely to say anything negative publicly, Penn State fans will be listening for whether Rojas describes Lynn’s defense as simpler, more instinctive and easier to play fast within that are qualities that often define successful units.
Lynn has a proven track record. He transformed UCLA from 102nd nationally in total defense to No. 11 in 2023, helping defensive end Laiatu Latu become the highest-selected defensive player in the 2024 NFL Draft. He then moved to USC, where the Trojans improved their scoring defense by more than 10 points per game over two seasons, dropping from 34 points per game under Alex Grinch in 2023 to just over 23 points per game in 2025.
#4 Anthony Donkoh Assumes A Leadership Role Along The Offensive Line
If actions speak louder than words, Anthony Donkoh embodies that approach.
Now the junior offensive lineman becomes the public face of a unit expected to set the tone for Penn State’s offense.
Last season, center Nick Dawkins filled that role, regularly speaking on behalf of the offensive line and even leading an impromptu media session following Penn State’s win at Michigan State.
Donkoh is wired differently than Dawkins, but his perspective on new offensive line coach Ryan Clanton and the development of the unit will provide valuable insight.
Campbell has already identified left tackle as one of the major position battles entering camp. Donkoh is not going to reveal who has the edge, but how he discusses the competition could offer Penn State fans a better sense of the depth and confidence along the offensive front.
#5 Matt Campbell On The Big-Picture Issues Facing College Football
Media days often become a forum for coaches to address the biggest issues facing the sport.
If there was a major topic on James Franklin’s mind, this was often the stage where he either addressed it directly or was asked about it.
Campbell has acknowledged that college football, and collegiate athletics as a whole, is navigating an uncertain landscape. What are his thoughts on preserving competitive balance? What did he make of the Brandon Sorsby situation? How does he balance merit-based playing time with the realities of NIL compensation?
He is unlikely to answer every one of those questions, but whether it comes on the main stage or in a smaller breakout session, it will be important to hear Campbell articulate where he stands on at least one of the sport’s major issues. His perspective will help Penn State fans better understand the philosophy guiding their new head coach.
