The annual Blue-White Game is almost here, but it’s going to look a bit different than usual — it will instead be Blue-White Practice with stretching, a walk-through, individual drills and some 7-on-7 and 11-on-11.
But regardless of the name or structure, Saturday marks fans’ first look at Penn State under Matt Campbell. There will be plenty of new faces on the Beaver Stadium grass alongside Campbell, some of which the Happy Valley faithful will soon know very well.
Besides the new faces, there’s many other things to look out for. Here are four storylines we’re keeping an eye on at Blue-White Practice this weekend.
Andrew Deal: What does the defensive line truly look like?
Penn State has clearly made it a point to not only add size on the defensive line through bigger players, but also bulk up the other defensive linemen who’ve returned.
The previous defensive lines have been noticeably undersized, prioritizing speed rather than power. However, that’s allowed some of the bigger teams to push around the line, and bully its way in the run game.
The Nittany Lions added size, including transfer defensive tackles Armstrong Nnodim, Siale Taupaki, Dallas Vakalahi and Keanu Williams, all of which are at least 19 pounds over the 300 mark. Does the added size immediately mean more power? That won’t be known until the push at the line can really be noticed.
The Blue-White Practice will have some drives, involving offense versus defense like a normal game. This is where the defensive line could make an impact, and could be where they truly give an answer to the question on power.
Defensive tackles Siale Taupaki and Alijah Carnell (56) participate in a drill during Penn State football practice on Thursday, April 9, 2026 on the outdoor practice field of the Lasch Building in University Park, Pa.
Avery Hill
The four previously mentioned are likely impact players at the position, and while it won’t be flashy, it could be a sign for how the run defense will perform in the upcoming season, helping fill gaps better to allow the pass rush on the outside to succeed more.
Despite the defenses getting a lot of hype over the past few years, the sack numbers haven’t hit that mark. Last year, Penn State ranked No. 33 in the country in sacks per game, but with the added size on the interior, the outside pass rusher could find more success, even in the Blue-White Practice.
Andrew Mercer: Who will emerge as the go-to running back?
Matt Campbell identified three running backs, each with a different background prior to arriving in Happy Valley, that are in the battle to play similar roles to how Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen performed during their four years at Penn State.
However, what we don’t know is who’ll be the go-to when times get tough.
Senior Carson Hansen appears to have the upper edge, having followed Campbell out of Iowa State where he was the starter, putting up 950 rushing yards for six touchdowns last year.
Meanwhile, junior James Peoples transferred from Ohio State where he was the third-string running back. In 2025, he continued to play that third-string role behind Bo Jackson and CJ Donaldson, accumulating 352 yards on 61 carries.
The third option is returning Nittany Lion Quinton Martin Jr. The redshirt sophomore saw the field just once last year in the Pinstripe Bowl, where he balled out for 103 rushing yards.
The three of them should get ample time to prove to the coaching staff why they deserve to get more carries come Week 1. With both Peoples and Martin Jr. being younger than Hansen, fans will likely keep an eye on that 1-on-1 battle for the future of the running back room.
“That’s going to be great competition all the way through fall camp,” Campbell said. “All three have shown really great things.”
Head coach Matt Campbell speaks during a press conference in Beaver Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 in University Park, Pa.
Matt Cropp
Lexie Linderman: How will the wide receivers look?
It’s no secret Penn State’s wide receivers have struggled in recent years, but with a new head coach, wide receivers coach and a fresh group of wideouts, things could be looking up for the receiving corps.
But expectations were high for the receivers last season and they disappointed, so it’s too early to truly tell if the wide receivers will actually make an impact. Still, the Blue-White Practice will give us the first true look at some of the new wideouts.
It’s unclear how much Brett Eskildsen and Chase Sowell will participate, as they’ve been limited with injuries all spring, but returnee Koby Howard and Iowa State transfers Karon Brookins and Zay Robinson have impressed throughout practice.
All three should get plenty of burn on Saturday regardless of how much Eskildsen and Sowell practice, and they’ll likely leave fans excited about the present and future state of Kashif Moore’s group.
Eyes will especially be on Howard after the buzz surrounding him and his performance as a true freshman last season. Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterback Rocco Becht have had plenty of praise for him this spring.
Quarterback Rocco Becht (3) throws the ball during Penn State football’s practice in Holuba Hall on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in University Park, Pa.
Noah Aberegg
“Koby, he’s a guy that’s work ethic challenges everybody in the room, not in a bad way, but he’s a guy that never leaves the jugs machine,” Mouser said on April 9. “He’s a guy that’s around the facility all the time. He’s a guy that’s asking me questions, and when you prepare like that, it forces everyone else to prepare, and you stand out.”
Noah Aberegg: Will Ryan Clanton’s offensive line truly be “Dog like?”
While Penn State’s offensive line led the way for record-breaking seasons by running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, things will be a little different this year.
Both running backs are projected to be drafted into the NFL this weekend, while four of Penn State’s starting offensive linemen from last year look to join them.
A few familiar faces will be back for another year with the Nittany Lions, including Anthony Donkoh, Dominic Rulli and Cooper Cousins. But besides them, the rest of the line would be starting their first game with Penn State.
Offensive lineman Cooper Cousins (50) lines up during the Penn State football game against Maryland on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions defeated the Terrapins 44-7.
Kate Hildebrand
New offensive line coach Ryan Clanton preaches a dog-like mentality for his linemen, and Penn State is getting its first taste of that.
“You got to want to be violent,” Clanton said in March. “You got to want to run through somebody’s face. And that’s a big part about playing o-line.”
As a whole, Penn State’s offensive line is 10 pounds heavier than last year, already playing to that stronger mentality. But it’s unclear if there will truly be a difference on the field.
With a new group of younger and less-experienced backs playing behind the line, Saturday will be the first true test of how well this year’s team can create gaps and opportunities for big plays.
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