State College
Today
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Two Penn State professors, Swaroop Ghosh (EECS) and Dipanjan Pan (Nanomedicine), were named to the 2025 National Academy of Inventors class and will be inducted on June 4 in Los Angeles. Penn State
- ➤ Victoria Nudell, a Penn State doctoral and medical student, has received an NIH fellowship (NRSA) to study alcohol use disorder with a focus on how hormones affect binge drinking. The award will support her research and clinical training at University Park as she prepares for a career in women’s health. Penn State
- ➤ Alexis Wilson (a Paterno Fellow and fourth-year Penn State student) is building a digital archive that collects Italian American women’s stories in Centre County. The project ties her education abroad with her cultural heritage and will enhance local historical understanding. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State College of Engineering mourns the loss of Rick Merluzzi, who died on Oct. 27, 2025, as his philanthropy supported first-generation engineering students and travel scholarships that enriched their experience. His legacy continues to inspire further academic growth in the community. Penn State
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Primecore is developing Encore, a seven-story mixed-use building at Addison Court (120 E. Beaver Ave) that will replace a low-income senior apartment complex and relocate tenants over two years. The project must follow a legal wind-down until Dec. 31 to allow time for moving before construction begins in 2027. StateCollege.com
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local high school running back D’Antae Sheffey committed to Penn State for the 2026 class on Wednesday, posting his decision on social media. He compiled season totals of 234 carries + 1,613 yards and 24 touchdowns at State College Area High School. StateCollege.com
- ➤ Penn State men's hockey returned from the Spengler Cup after five Nittany Lions helped the U.S. Collegiate Selects reach the final. They resume conference play on Friday at Pegula Ice Arena against Minnesota at 6 p.m. with the game broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Onward State
- ➤ Gavin McKenna's 14-point performance for Canada's team impressed at the IIHF World Junior Championships in the Twin Cities; the Penn Stater will return to Hockey Valley for an upcoming series with Minnesota (marking a historic scoring tie). Onward State
- ➤ Freshman running back Tikey Hayes announced his return to the Nittany Lions on Wednesday via Instagram. The Aliquippa native and nephew of cornerbacks coach Terry Smith had three carries for 18 yards in the Pinstripe Bowl and is the second back to stay with the team. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State is reshaping its football roster under new head coach Matt Campbell after a busy transfer portal cycle. The team added multiple transfers (including players from Iowa State and UCLA) while several players departed, and a group of returning 2026 athletes boosts the lineup at Happy Valley. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Kenny Sanders, former Penn State Director of Player Personnel, will join Notre Dame as assistant general manager after announcing his departure Tuesday — he built a strong recruiting network in Maryland and Virginia during his four seasons at Penn State. Onward State
- ➤ Caleb Brewer, an offensive lineman from Reading, announced his return to the Nittany Lions on Instagram Wednesday (he is a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining). Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State hired Joe Resendez as its director of football sports medicine, adding him to the Nittany Lions support staff. Resendez brings expertise from Iowa State, the XFL/UFL, and the NBA, and his appointment was reported Wednesday night. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Matt Campbell is rebuilding Penn State’s football team by keeping key players and adding talent from Iowa State (including top receivers and promising recruits) and a new coaching staff. He outlined plans to recruit players locally and from the northeast and DMV regions. 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
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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