Penn State Sports Magazine
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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 6 11 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M what more effective against a banged- up Wildcats secondary. Eskildsen, Sow- ell and Robinson combined to make 13 catches for 137 yards, but the Lions were hammered, 34-13. Against USC on Oct. 10, Penn State got back on track with 289 yards through the air but still lost, 31-23. Just how much longer the Lions will be without Howard was an open ques- tion coming out of the game against the Trojans. Shortly after his injury was an- nounced, Howard posted an Instagram story in which he vowed to be " back soon." His post also contained a date: "10/17/26". That's when Penn State will face Michigan in Ann Arbor. However, there were indications prior to the USC game that it might be a little longer be- fore he returns to action. Howard's influence on the receivers has extended beyond his production in games. His intense daily routine has attracted teammates who want to fol- low his example. Howard told report- ers that he sets his alarm for 4:45 a.m., arrives at the Lasch Building by 5:30 and begins by catching passes from the JUGS machine. He follows that session with a workout before the team break- fast. Throughout his description, he re- turned to one word: "We." Howard has set a standard: Playing hard in games starts with working hard in practice. The teammates now being asked to replace his production have embraced that approach. Following Howard's example, Rob- inson has developed better work habits this year. The Iowa State transfer was being counted on to take a larger role with his teammate sidelined. Becht, who has worked with Robinson since the receiver arrived at Iowa State last year, has seen a consistent and signifi- cant change. "Zay was young last year, a little im- mature, and I think he's been able to grow as a leader, as a player, as a per- son," Becht said. "I think that's why he's able to go out there and have so much success, because he puts his head down and he goes to work day in and day out. He asks questions. He wants to get bet- ter." Campbell has seen similar progress from Robinson, who watched Howard's early success and wanted to make an impact of his own. After spring practice, Mouser challenged Robinson to become more consistent, knowing Penn State would need him this season. Robinson responded with a stronger commitment to his preparation. "I think he's grown. And I think Mouse was right — there was more from what we saw in spring practice," Camp- bell said. "We did challenge Zay to take the step forward if we were going to be the team that we wanted to be. And I think he's answered the call so far. "He's still young. There's still a lot of growth for him to go. I think his best football is in front of him. But he's growing at a rapid pace right now, and he's starting to play with a lot of con- fidence." While Howard works toward a return, Penn State will have to lean on the stan- dard he has helped establish among its receivers and on the teammates who have begun to embrace it. Campbell expects his best players to help their teammates improve. Howard's example can still serve that purpose, regardless of when he gets back on the field. After the Buffalo game, in which Howard totaled 115 yards and a touch- down on just 3 catches, Campbell said he hadn't been caught off-guard by the sophomore's early-season success. "None of it surprises me because of how I watch him work," Campbell said. "He'll be the first guy tomorrow morn- ing in the facility and probably beat three-fourths of the coaching staff. He's catching the JUGS passes, and he's the kind of football player who has this conviction to be great. "We talk about this all the time. There's a difference between good in- tentions and intentionality. There are some guys who saw his success, and they're joining in now in the mornings. That's what great players do. Great players bring others with them, and that's why Koby got a lot of credit." ■ Nittany Lions' Injury Woes Are Adding Up Koby Howard's absence is one of several injury concerns for Penn State, although two of- fensive starters were able to return against Wisconsin. Redshirt junior tight end Andrew Rappleyea and redshirt sophomore center Brock Riker both left the Buffalo game with injuries. Coach Matt Campbell described Riker's removal as precautionary and said Rappleyea could have gone back in. They remained game-time deci- sions on the final Wisconsin availability report, but both started against the Badgers and in the following game at Northwestern. Defensive end Max Granville will miss the rest of the season after sustaining an injury in practice before the Sept. 12 game at Temple. Campbell announced the season-ending setback after that game. Granville had returned for the opener against Marshall after missing the en- tire 2025 season because of a knee injury. His loss leaves Penn State without a young pass rusher who had been expected to play a significant role. Reserve offensive lineman Will Tompkins is also out for the season. Campbell said Sept. 23 that the redshirt freshman sustained a "unique" injury during pregame warmups before the Buffalo game. Tompkins trans- ferred from Iowa State after the 2025 sea- son, and his absence further reduces Penn State's depth on the offensive line. Tight end Cooper Alexander, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Iowa State, was also ruled out against Wisconsin. His ab- sence left Penn State without another option at the position even as Rappleyea returned to the lineup. — Nate Bauer Defensive end Max Granville will miss the rest of the 2026 season after sustaining an injury in practice before the Temple game. He also sat out the entire 2025 season because of an injury. PHOTO BY RYAN SNYDER