Penn State's Matt Campbell Calls Blue-White Game 'Critically Important'

New Penn State coach wants to get his team into Beaver Stadium for the annual spring scrimmage.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Penn State's new head football coach Matt Campbell said the team's annual Blue-White spring game is "critically important" for his players and fans to experience. Campbell and Athletic Director Pat Kraft are still finalizing the details of the event, but Campbell wants to ensure his team, including new quarterback Rocco Becht, gets practice time in Beaver Stadium before the season opener.

Why it matters

The Blue-White Game is a long-standing tradition for Penn State football, allowing fans to get an early look at the team and new players. Campbell wants to use the event to help integrate his roster, which has seen significant turnover, and get players acclimated to the stadium environment before the season starts.

The details

Campbell said he and Kraft expect to announce details of the Blue-White Game next week. The event is normally held in mid-to-late April, with the 2025 version taking place on April 26. Campbell noted that with many players recovering from injuries, they'll have to carefully manage practice reps and contact during the scrimmage. He wants to ensure the team gets valuable work without risking further injuries.

  • Penn State held the 2025 Blue-White scrimmage on April 26.
  • Campbell and Kraft expect to announce details of the 2026 Blue-White Game next week.

The players

Matt Campbell

Penn State's new head football coach, who is rebuilding the roster and wants to use the Blue-White Game to integrate his team.

Pat Kraft

Penn State's Athletic Director, who is working with Campbell to finalize the details of the Blue-White Game.

Rocco Becht

Penn State's new quarterback, who is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and Campbell wants to get acclimated to playing in Beaver Stadium.

Jake Waters

Penn State's new quarterbacks coach, who said Becht is ahead of schedule in his recovery and will be throwing by the middle of spring drills.

James Franklin

Penn State's previous head coach, who held modified spring scrimmages and limited TV coverage of the Blue-White Game in the past.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's really important for our kids to be in that stadium with our fans. I don't want the first time that [quarterback] Rocco Becht throws a pass to be his first game in there with fans. I think it's really important for this team to be able to get out there.”

— Matt Campbell, Penn State Head Coach (si.com)

“What I've always believed in [about] that 15th practice is, what does that look like? I do think it's critically important for us. Pat and I are deciding how we'll do the Blue-White Game and what that'll look like.”

— Matt Campbell, Penn State Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

Campbell and Athletic Director Pat Kraft expect to announce further details about the 2026 Blue-White Game next week.

The takeaway

The Blue-White Game is a crucial event for new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell to integrate his significantly rebuilt roster and get players acclimated to Beaver Stadium before the season opener. Campbell is working closely with the athletic department to ensure the scrimmage provides valuable practice time without risking further injuries to key players like quarterback Rocco Becht.