Washington’s Rally Falls Short Against Penn State

Penn State built a 28-6 halftime lead and held on for a 28-25 win over Washington at Husky Stadium on November 7, 2026. The loss was Washington’s third straight home defeat in Big Ten play, leaving the Huskies 5-4 overall and one win short of bowl eligibility. Penn State also stood at 5-4, with both teams 2-4 in conference games.

Washington opened with a 65-yard drive that ended in a field goal, but Penn State answered with a touchdown run by Carson Hansen. The Nittany Lions added scores on a 24-yard pass to Zay Robinson and a 45-yard touchdown pass from Rocco Becht to Chase Sowell, then extended their lead with Cam Wallace’s 46-yard run just before halftime. Hansen finished with 119 rushing yards; Washington running back Jayden Limar had 66.

Washington coach Jedd Fisch said his team “did not play good football in the first half.” Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. completed 19 of 33 passes. The Huskies began to rally after the break, with field goals from Tyler Robles and touchdown receptions by Baron Naone and Dezmen Roebuck. Washington converted both two-point attempts, cutting the margin to three with 7:40 remaining.

The Huskies did not get the ball back for a chance to take the lead. Linebacker Jacob Manu was ejected following a targeting penalty, and a later penalty for having 12 players on the field gave Penn State a first down after Washington had stopped the Nittany Lions short of a first down. Penn State ran out the remaining time to secure the win.