Penn State star wide receiver Koby Howard’s status is uncertain for Saturday against Wisconsin after the sophomore standout was injured on a long touchdown last weekend.
On3 college football insider Pete Nakos reported Tuesday that Howard’s availability remains in doubt heading into the Nittany Lions’ Big Ten opener.
The news followed comments from first-year Penn State coach Matt Campbell, who said the receiver’s status is up in the air after he was hurt during the team’s 55-13 victory over Buffalo.
“Koby Howard got dinged up on that long touchdown run,” Campbell said Tuesday.
Howard scored on a 70-yard catch-and-run in the second quarter against the Bulls. He also added a 20-yard rushing touchdown on a reverse in the same half.
Campbell said the team was still evaluating the injury.
“I think right now we probably don’t know exactly where he’ll be by the end of the week,” Campbell said. “Probably have a better idea. Kind of went through a couple things yesterday and just trying to gauge exactly where is he as we kind of get ourselves ready for the end of the week.”
Howard has been Penn State’s most explosive offensive player through three games. The Pensacola, Florida, product has 12 receptions for 344 yards and two receiving touchdowns. He is averaging 28.7 yards per catch, ranking third nationally.
He ranks seventh in the country in receiving yards and has produced two 100-yard receiving games already. Howard also has two carries for 24 yards and one rushing score.
No. 13 Penn State is 3-0 heading into conference play. The Nittany Lions host Wisconsin (2-1) at 5 p.m. Saturday at Beaver Stadium in a game streaming exclusively on Peacock.
Howard’s potential absence would remove the offense’s top big-play threat. Quarterback Rocco Becht has targeted him 16 times, more than any other player. Ten of Howard’s 17 career receptions at Penn State have gone for at least 20 yards.
Penn State will lean on other receivers if Howard cannot play. Iowa State transfers Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen, redshirt freshman Zay Robinson and freshman Amarion Jackson are expected to see increased snaps.
Becht expressed confidence in the rest of the wide receiver group.
“I feel super-confident in that room,” Becht said. “There’s no worry anywhere around that situation.”
Campbell praised Sowell’s consistency and playmaking. He also highlighted Robinson’s competitive nature after working with him on the scout team last season.
The Nittany Lions have other injury questions as well. Tight end Andrew Rappleyea remains a question mark after leaving the Buffalo game early. Center Brock Riker is in a better spot after also exiting that contest.
Under new Big Ten rules, teams must submit four availability reports before conference games. Penn State’s first report is due Wednesday evening, which should provide more clarity on Howard and others.
Howard emerged as a featured piece of Campbell’s offense after limited action as a freshman under the previous staff. He opened the season with 161 yards against Marshall and followed with another strong showing at Temple.
His 344 receiving yards through three games already exceed the full-season totals of most Penn State wideouts from 2025.
Penn State leads the all-time series with Wisconsin 12-9 and has won the last six meetings. The Nittany Lions are favored by about 10 points.
Campbell has emphasized that players will only return when the staff is confident they will not risk further injury. Daily reports later in the week will determine whether Howard suits up for the first Big Ten game of the Matt Campbell era.
