Big Ten Media Days Return to Chicago

Penn State football set to appear at annual conference kickoff event

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented college football game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the energy and anticipation of the upcoming season.The Big Ten's annual media days event returns to Chicago, setting the stage for the upcoming college football season.Chicago Today

After several years away, the Big Ten football media days will once again be held in Chicago, the longtime host city for the annual conference kickoff event. The Penn State Nittany Lions are scheduled to participate in the festivities, which bring together coaches, players, and media from across the Big Ten.

Why it matters

The Big Ten media days are a crucial annual event that sets the tone for the upcoming college football season. As one of the premier programs in the conference, Penn State's participation is closely watched by fans and media alike, providing an early glimpse into the team's outlook and storylines.

The details

The Big Ten media days will take place in Chicago from July 23-25, 2026, marking the event's return to the Windy City after several years of being held elsewhere. The Penn State Nittany Lions are scheduled to appear on the second day of the three-day event, allowing head coach James Franklin and selected players to address the assembled media and share their thoughts on the upcoming season.

  • The Big Ten media days will be held from July 23-25, 2026.
  • Penn State is scheduled to appear on the second day of the event, July 24, 2026.

The players

James Franklin

The head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions football team.

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What’s next

Fans and media will closely follow the Penn State contingent's comments and insights from the Big Ten media days, as they provide an early preview of the Nittany Lions' outlook for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The return of the Big Ten media days to Chicago, the event's traditional home, is a significant moment for the conference and its member programs, including Penn State. The Nittany Lions' participation in this annual kickoff event will be closely watched as the team looks to build on its recent success and compete for a Big Ten championship.