In a thrilling opener to the 2026 season, State College Penn State narrowly defeated Iowa City Iowa with a final score of 33-28. Both teams entered the game eager to establish dominance in the early weeks of the season, but it was State College that emerged victorious in this tightly contested matchup. Drake Maye was the standout performer for State College, throwing for 282 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead the offense effectively. Complementing his efforts was Randy Moss, who lit up the field with 162 receiving yards, proving to be a vital target in crucial moments. Meanwhile, Jalen Milroe of Iowa City made his presence felt on the ground with 92 rushing yards, keeping the defense on its toes. On the defensive side, State College's Carlton Davis III led the way with five total tackles, while Milton Williams made a significant impact with two sacks, applying pressure on the Iowa City quarterback throughout the game. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Craig Woodson intercepted a pass, stifling Iowa City's drive and allowing State College to hold onto their lead in the closing moments.