State College
Today
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ THON announced Nathan Reish as the 2026 Hospitality Director — he has served in THON roles and will lead 24 captains and 350 committee members for pre-THON events and THON Weekend. He will implement event data tracking to improve food donations and support dietary needs at upcoming events. Onward State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Defensive tackle Sam Siafa (who appeared in one game in four seasons) announced Wednesday that he will enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining; he is the 15th Nittany Lion to take this step. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State tight end Khalil Dinkins declared for the NFL draft on Wednesday night via Instagram. He played in 48 games with 37 receptions & 7 touchdowns, serving as a key blocker and red zone threat in State College. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State wide receiver Kyron Hudson declared for the NFL Draft Wednesday after a season with mixed game numbers — he had three games with no receptions and five with one. The USC transfer played 2025 as a Lion and finished with 23 receptions and two touchdowns. Onward State
- ➤ Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton declared for the NFL Draft on Dec. 31 after earning 127 tackles & 23.5 sacks over four seasons at Penn State. He will pursue a professional career following a standout college tenure. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State men’s hockey forward Aiden Fink was named to the Spengler Cup All-Star Team after scoring four goals and eight points in the tournament; he returned from injury and will play in the second half game against RIT on Jan. 3. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State redshirt freshman defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam is entering the transfer portal (after playing 12 games and recording 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss) and is the 14th Nittany Lion to make such a move. Onward State
- ➤ Wide receiver Kyron Hudson declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Dec. 31 via his X account after one season at Penn State plus recording 23 catches for 288 yards with two touchdowns; he transferred from USC before joining the Nittany Lions. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State walk-on defensive tackle Sam Siafa entered the transfer portal on Dec. 31 after appearing in three games since 2022 (the Downingtown native thanked his team and looks forward to his next chapter). Daily Collegian
- ➤ Former Penn State players shined in the NFL this past week. Chris Godwin had eight catches for 108 yards and a touchdown with the Buccaneers while Parker Washington recorded eight catches for 115 yards with the Jaguars, showcasing Penn State talent on the field. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton declared for the 2026 NFL Draft via Instagram. He recorded 38 tackles, 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles this season, making him the ninth Nittany Lion to enter the draft. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State kicker Ryan Barker delivered three field goals and three extra points in a 22-10 win over Clemson at the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday (cold mid-teens conditions and snowy sidelines). He is discussing a return with head coach Matt Campbell after nearly breaking the record with 18 of 19 field goal conversions. StateCollege.com
- ➤ Coach Matt Campbell at Penn State is expected to target several Iowa State transfer portal players, including quarterback Rocco Becht + running back Carson Hansen, to add depth to the team for upcoming games in Happy Valley. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam has entered the transfer portal after leaving the Pinstripe Bowl early due to an injury (he recorded 16 tackles in 11 games and will have three years of eligibility remaining). Daily Collegian
- ➤ Braz Thomas, a freshman safety for Penn State, will enter the transfer portal and has four years of eligibility remaining. Having joined the team in 2025, he becomes the fifteenth Nittany Lion to make such a move. Onward State
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Penn State Wrestling vs. Rutgers
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Rec Hall — Ticket prices may vary — Catch the excitement as Penn State takes on Rutgers in a thrilling wrestling match.
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UCLA Bruins vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Basketball
8:30-10:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting clash of two powerhouse college basketball teams.
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Skorts Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — Ticket prices available — Enjoy live music featuring SKORTS and their catchy tunes.
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Anna Pearl Performance
6-8 p.m. — The Lodge at Tussey Mountain — Tickets available — Enjoy an intimate evening of music with local singer/songwriter Anna Pearl.
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Big Lazy Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — From $11.99 — Experience two decades of noir and twang music from New York's underground scene.
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Minnesota Golden Gophers at Penn State Nittany Lions Women's Basketball
6-9 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting women's basketball showdown between the Gophers and Nittany Lions.
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Jason Aldean Concert
6:00-9:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Tickets available — Experience an inspiring night of country music with Jason Aldean and Nate Smith.
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Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan State Spartans
1-10 p.m. — West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Nittany Lions as they take on the Spartans in a thrilling college football matchup.
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