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Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Koby Howard, one of the country's most explosive playmakers, will be sidelined for an extended period because of an undisclosed injury, head coach Matt Campbell announced on Wednesday.
Campbell delivered the news during his final media session before Saturday's matchup with Wisconsin. "After kind of evaluating everything, he will be out," Campbell said following practice. "He's going to be out for probably an extended period of time. It's not season-ending, but it will be an extended period of time."
Earlier in the week, Campbell had described Howard as "dinged up" after a touchdown play in Penn State's 55-13 victory over Buffalo. Howard scored twice in that game, first on a 20-yard run and then on a 70-yard reception. Initially, Campbell said Howard's status was uncertain, but he provided a more definitive update on Wednesday.
The Nittany Lions are expected to release their first in-season availability report on Wednesday night, and Howard is likely to be listed as "out." "Obviously disappointing for Koby, but he's handled it really well, and I think the best interests of him going forward [are] making sure we do right by him and certainly our football team," Campbell said.
Howard, a second-year receiver who saw limited action last season, has emerged as Penn State's top threat and one of the nation's leaders in explosive plays. He leads the Big Ten and ranks third nationally with an average of 28.67 yards per catch. His seven receptions of 20 or more yards are tied for third nationally, and his five catches of 30 or more yards are tied for first.
The Pensacola, Florida, native has overcome significant injuries before. In June 2022, he suffered a broken tibia at a camp, which cost him most of his sophomore season; he returned to catch 13 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown that year. He also missed part of his senior season at Chaminade-Madonna Prep due to another injury.
Without Howard, Penn State will rely on a receivers room that Campbell has praised for its early-season performance. The team's top four receivers—Howard, Chase Sowell, Brett Eskildsen, and Zay Robinson—have combined for 34 receptions and five touchdowns. "I think that room in general has really got off to a great start," Campbell said Tuesday at his weekly press conference. "What Chase Sowell has done has been better than maybe I would even expect. I think we talked about it in preseason camp, the consistency, and I think he's given you dynamic playmaking ability on the outside."
No. 13 Penn State opens Big Ten play against Wisconsin on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET on Peacock.