Kirk Herbstreit has long been a fan favorite at Penn State.
Although he did play quarterback at Ohio State and has drawn the ire of some fans for what they perceive to be a bias toward the SEC, Herbstreit has overall been a popular figure in Happy Valley, going back to when he called Penn State’s student section “the best in the country.”
He didn’t hurt his standing amongst PSU fans with his prediction for the 2026 team.
“I think they go 10-2,” Herbstreit said Thursday on the Pat McAfee Show. “I think they are a playoff team.”
A big reason Herbsreit feels this way is Penn State’s schedule.
Although top 20 matchups against No. 14 USC (home), No. 16 Michigan (away) and No. 17 Washington (away) won’t be easy, Penn State does avoid No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Oregon and No. 6 Indiana.
Herbstreit is also a big fan of PSU’s new coach, Matt Campbell.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“I don’t know if Penn State could have hand-picked a better fit for their culture and what they are about,” Herbstreit said. “Their history and tradition and what they want to get back to.”
Campbell came over from Iowa State in December, and once the transfer portal opened the next month, he started to bring a lot of players with him.
In total, 24 Cyclones became Nittany Lions, including veterans such as QB Rocco Becht and safety Jeremiah Cooper.
Curt Cignetti build Indiana through veterans, and Herbstreit cited this model as a reason Penn State can win.
“(Penn State brought) a lot of guys over from Ames,” Herbstreit said, “so they know the culture and what the expectations are.”
