The No. 18 Penn State Nittany Lions open their 2026 season welcoming the Sun Belt’s Marshall Thundering Herd to Beaver Stadium. Penn State boasts a 2-0 all-time series record against the Thundering Herd, though the schools have not played in nearly one hundred years. The last time they played, all the way back in 1930, the Nittany Lions dominated, winning 65-0. Needless to say, that game will have no bearing on today’s match up and with a fresh slate ahead, this non-conference opener presents an early opportunity for both sides to establish their identities. How will Penn State fair in the Matt Campbell era? That question looms large today and with 62 new players, including 40 transfers, things will look very different from last year.
Penn State Football’s 2026 Outlook
Penn State enters the 2026 season looking to build on last year’s somewhat mixed offensive production. Last season, the Nittany Lions were highly effective at finding the end zone, averaging 31 points per game, good for 34th in FBS. It was a very balanced attack, amassing 4,706 total yards—2,439 passing and 2,267 rushing but the 362.8 yard per game was only good enough for 83rd in FBS. One positive was an impressive 88.9% conversion rate in the red zone. Now, under Matt Campbell’s guidance and with Rocco Brecht at quarterback and new starters across the board, they will look to replicate that.
Defensively, Penn State’s collective effort a year ago provides a clear blueprint for success. The Nittany Lions consistently applied pressure, racking up 32.0 sacks and securing six interceptions last season. They also maintained a +2 turnover differential while allowing only 20.5 points per game, 32nd best in the country. Penn State’s defense should once again be a strength of the team with five returning players in Tony Rojas, Keanu Williams, Audavion Collins, Siale Taupaki, and Yvan Kemajou and a host of blue-chip recruits and transfer portal additions.
Marshall Football’s 2026 Outlook
Entering his second season following a 5-7 campaign, head coach Tony Gibson leads a Marshall squad looking to establish early momentum. Last season, the Thundering Herd showcased a balanced attack, compiling 2,495 passing yards and 2,370 rushing yards while averaging 30.4 points per game. Their defense proved capable of creating plenty of splash plays, grabbing 13 interceptions and racking up 29.0 sacks.
The offense runs through dual-threat quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson. Last year, he recorded 2,043 passing yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 660 rushing yards and six scores. Wide receiver Demarcus Lacey poses a the biggest threat on the perimeter. He hauled in 65 receptions for 769 yards and five touchdowns last season. Defensively, defensive back Boogie Trotter stands out with five interceptions in 2025.
Rankings
Penn State enters the 2026 season ranked No. 18 in the initial Associated Press Top 25 poll after receiving 482 points from voters. The Marshall Thundering Herd are unranked and did not earn any votes in the preseason AP rankings.
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Penn State will host the matchup at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA. Kickoff for this Week 1. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET.
TV
The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1, with streaming coverage also available via the Fox Sports App.
Spread
Penn State is favored by 23.5 points in this non-conference opener, down slightly from the opening number of 24.5. The total sits at 52.5, dropping from 53.5 as sharp action heavily backs the under with 87.03% of the handle. On the moneyline, the Nittany Lions are massive -3125 favorites, while the Thundering Herd sit at +1400.
Best Bet
In the anytime touchdown market, Quinton Martin carries a +110 price to find the end zone. He aims to capitalize on a potent Penn State offense that averaged 30.7 points per game and boasted an 88.9% red-zone conversion rate last season. On the opposite sideline, dual-threat quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson offers +170 odds to score.
