What happened: Penn State's leading receiver Koby Howard will miss an extended period after suffering an unspecified injury against Buffalo, coach Matt Campbell announced Wednesday. In a separate development, assistant cornerbacks coach Jordan Lucas was charged with two misdemeanor counts of DUI stemming from an August incident.
Why it matters: Howard has been a breakout star for the 13th-ranked Nittany Lions, ranking third nationally in yards per catch. His absence deprives the offense of its top deep threat as the team begins Big Ten conference play. Meanwhile, the university stated it is aware of the charges against Lucas, a former NFL player who won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, and he currently remains with the program.
By the numbers: Before the injury, Howard accounted for 135 all-purpose yards against Buffalo, becoming the team's first non-running back to log a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game since Tyler Warren in 2024. He has compiled 12 catches for 344 yards and two scores this season.
What to watch: Redshirt freshman Zay Robinson is expected to take Howard's starting spot when Penn State hosts Wisconsin on Saturday. Lucas faces a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 21.