Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1546586
3 4 O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M M att Campbell began his Temple postgame press conference on a somber note. At least, that's how his comments about the season-ending injury to redshirt sophomore defensive end Max Granville started. A promising pass rusher in his third season at Penn State, Granville had only recently returned from a lengthy recov- ery from an ACL injury sustained in 2025. He got hurt in practice leading into the Sept. 12 matchup in Philadelphia. Camp- bell, encouraged by Granville's potential coming out of his season debut against Marshall, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for the entire program. "Let me start off with Max. Max got injured in practice this week. He will be out for the rest of the year," Campbell said. "Obviously, it's a really tough blow for our football team. And really, most importantly, a really tough blow for Max. "The thing I love about Max is that he's been a pillar [of strength] for our football team over the last nine months — who he is, what his character is." Although Granville's on-field contri- butions were cut dramatically short this season, Campbell maintained a positive outlook for his future. Thanks in large part to Granville's re- sponse to the setback and the faith he's shared throughout the locker room, Campbell believes that future is bright. "I think we're all really convinced that he'll come back better than ever from his injury," the coach said. "But it's a tough loss for us. It was a tough day for us. Max and his family are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. He will come back better than ever." Penn State will continue to lean on Granville for support, and his team- mates intend to provide the same to him through his new challenge. On the field, though, the Nittany Lion defense will need to make do without his pass-rush- ing talents. The defense pitched a shutout in the opener and surrendered only nine points at Temple, including a late touchdown with the outcome already decided. Even with those encouraging results, vulnerabilities and expected strengths have started to emerge this season. PROGRESS REPORT: Defense Penn State has shown early promise, but questions up front linger NAT E BAU E R | N AT E . B A U E R @ O N 3 . C O M Defensive tackle Keanu Williams helped PSU hold Marshall to 44 rushing yards, but the Lions had less success at Temple — surrendering 176 yards on the ground. PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL