UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Matt Campbell era at Penn State has gotten off to a hot start with three straight wins including a 55-13 rout of the Buffalo Bulls Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium.
The 2025 team also started 3-0, but this does seem markedly different in a good way. Sure, the games have all been sweat free, but in all three there has been plenty of room for improvement including Saturday’s contest.
There were multiple times Penn State landed penalties that helped Buffalo move the ball, something it struggled mightily with. There were also some execution issues and that’s understandable given how early in the season it is.
Nonetheless, Penn State has dominated in each of its first three games and is set for Big Ten play to begin next week.
KOBY
Somehow, Koby Howard was planted on the bench more often than not last year and this year is making a big question of why that actually was given his electric start.
Of course the first three opponents have been far from superior, but his speed and acceleration have been elite as to has his pass catching ability.
This pitch and catch was a thing of beauty.
Penn State WR Koby Howard already has 135 total yards and 2 TDs in the first half 🔥pic.twitter.com/tls4rAB2S2
— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) September 19, 2026
As was his ability to go up and get this pass.
CHUCK IT DEEP 🗣️
Koby Howard goes up and GETS this 31 YD pass #WeAre pic.twitter.com/UZaccgE0j6
— White Out Weekly (@whiteoutweekly) September 19, 2026
Oh, and we can’t forget about this run.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.KOBY HOWARD REVERSE ON REPEAT pic.twitter.com/RATg9KtBhf
— Black Shoe Diaries (@BSDtweet) September 19, 2026
It’s Buffalo, and the Bills they are not, but it’s encouraging to see Howard being featured heavily early. The real tests will come in the weeks ahead for both Howard and the offense as they get into conference play.
QUINTON
Much has been made about Quinton Martin, Jr. not getting a carry or seeing the field against Temple. Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and Campbell have heard everybody loud and clear as Martin was featured quite a bit in the first half against the Bulls.
He rushed for 100 yards on 10 carries including this 61-yard scamper.
Quinton Martin HUGE RUN… who should be RB1 for Penn State pic.twitter.com/QJjIAaeBSi
— LandonTengwall (@LandonTengwall) September 19, 2026
Again, it’s Buffalo, but to see the offense address a concern and correct it is a sight for sore eyes. Where Martin falls in the rotation longterm remains to be seen, but he has tremendous upside.
BUZZING AROUND THE BALL
D’Anton Lynn’s defense is old school. It flies to the ball, is physical and plays incredibly well in space so far.
It should serve as no surprise that Penn State held Buffalo to under 100 yards of total offense leading into the fourth quarter well beyond when the starters were removed.
Buffalo quarterback Jason Wright was forced to get rid of the ball quick and he did just that, but when he held on to it, the defense mad him pay. The unit forced four fumbles and recovered two of them plus five pass deflections.
The simplicity of the defense and freedom it gives the players can’t be understated. It will be interesting to see how the defense matches up in Big Ten play, but the early returns though are supremely positive.
