State College
Today
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Natalie Wright, a Penn State student double-majoring in global studies and political science with a master of public policy, paired global research in Kenya with a State College government internship. She advanced local projects in community gardens and ordinance reviews to use education to help neighbors. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State assistant professor Rebecca Napolitano received a five-year NSF CAREER Award of $618,863 to build new models for tornado damage and recovery; she will work with students — creating simulations and training modules that combine engineering, social and preservation factors. Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After a 7-3 win over RIT, Penn State men’s hockey earned all three Big Ten Stars of the Week as Jarod Crespo, Charlie Cerrato & Aiden Fink were honored. The team will face Minnesota at Pegula Ice Arena Friday at 6 p.m. Onward State
- ➤ Former Colorado defensive lineman Alexander McPherson has committed to join Penn State football. The 6 ft 5 in, 240-pound player recorded 16 tackles at Colorado and entered the transfer portal on December 19, making him the 22nd transfer to choose Happy Valley. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State sophomore safety Dejuan Lane entered the transfer portal after playing every game the past two seasons, following his commitment to the Nittany Lions. Lane, a recruit rated four stars from Jessup, Maryland, recorded 30 tackles this season and still has two years of eligibility. Onward State
- ➤ Former Iowa State offensive lineman Vaea Ikakoula announced Tuesday his transfer to Penn State football in Happy Valley; he has four years of eligibility remaining and joins other transfers from Ames. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State defensive end Cortez Harris plans to enter the transfer portal, CBS Sports reported. The true freshman appeared in two games this season — making him the 41st Nittany Lion to transfer this offseason. Onward State
- ➤ On Tuesday, OL TJ Shanahan Jr. announced his transfer from Penn State to Florida to reunite with coach Phil Trautwein. The redshirt sophomore, who played every game last season with five starts, will have two years of eligibility remaining. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State secured former Ohio State running back James Peoples as its 24th transfer addition on Tuesday evening, adding proven Big Ten production to the team (Peoples carried 110 times for 541 yards and five touchdowns in his last two seasons). StateCollege.com
- ➤ Penn State football freshman defensive lineman Randy Adirika enters the transfer portal and has four years of eligibility remaining; he played 16 snaps in recent games, joining teammates including Max Granville & others who are also transferring. Onward State
- ➤ Former Oklahoma State defensive lineman Armstrong Nnodim transferred to Penn State to play under new defensive coordinators D’Anton Lynn and Ikaika Malloe on Happy Valley. He entered the transfer portal in January and has three years of eligibility remaining + he joins a unit reshaped by recent transfers. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State redshirt freshman Eagan Boyer, who played eight games including his first start in the Pinstripe Bowl, will transfer to Florida to reunite with former coach Phil Trautwein (and teammate T.J. Shanahan Jr.). Daily Collegian
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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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TWEN w/ Dogwood Tales and Euphoria Again
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — Check out an emotional alt-country band from Virginia inspired by the Shenandoah Valley.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
~ Jimi Hendrix
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