UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- No. 10 Penn State men’s rugby opened the 2026 fall campaign with a hard-fought 14–7 victory over No. 17 Ohio State on Sept. 12 at West IM Fields, earning a rivalry win in front of the home crowd.
The Nittany Lions wasted little time finding the scoreboard. Sophomore Shea Summers broke through the Ohio State defense with a quick linebreak, setting up senior winger Matt Hammond to finish the opening try. Vice captain JW Sarkees added the conversion to give Penn State an early 7–0 advantage.
Ohio State responded with a physical stretch of play, eventually using a powerful scrum to generate pressure and earn a penalty try. The score leveled the match at 7–7, which remained the score heading into halftime.
The physicality continued to increase after the break, with Penn State finding success through its lineout and maul. The Nittany Lions repeatedly pressured the Ohio State defense but were unable to break through the try line. The Buckeyes created several scoring opportunities of their own, but Penn State’s defense forced turnovers before Ohio State could capitalize inside the 22-meter line.
One of those turnovers proved decisive.
Freshman hooker Craig McSheaffrey initiated a long-range counterattack that covered nearly the entire length of the field before freshman winger Will Dadswell finished the approximately 80-meter try, putting Penn State back in front, 12–7.
Sarkees then added the conversion to extend the advantage to 14–7, and the Nittany Lions’ defense held firm through the final minutes to secure the victory.
The win marked an important opening to the 2026 season, with eight Penn State players making their D1A debuts.
“With eight guys making their D1A debuts, there were definitely some nerves and some areas we need to clean up,” said head coach Zac Mizell. “But I’m really happy with the way the group competed and found a way to win against a heated rival. There’s a lot for us to improve, but getting the season started with a win over Ohio State is a great foundation for this group.”
Penn State will look to build on the victory as the Nittany Lions continue their 2026 fall campaign against New York Athletic Club on Travers Island.