News and Notes from Pat Kraft at Big Ten Media Days

Penn State vice president of intercollegiate athletics Pat Kraft discussed several topics during a 26-minute press conference on Monday during the 2024 Big Ten Football Media Days in Indianapolis, Indiana.

From the White Out to Penn State wrestling, Kraft covered a variety of topics in an update on Penn State’s biggest athletic concerns.

At the White Out Kickoff time

Kraft attached previous reports that Penn State’s Nov. 9 game against Washington will not start at noon. It will start at either 3:30 or 7:30 p.m.

He explained that the start time will be determined during the traditional 12-day window for the game. Penn State and Big Ten commissioner Tony Pettiti worked with FOX to ensure the game would not start at noon.

On Beaver Stadium’s Readiness for Playoff Games

Penn State Athletics has been doing a lot with Beaver Stadium recently, and this is just the beginning. Perhaps the highest priority has been getting the stadium winterized to potentially host a College Football Playoff game, and Kraft said it’s “ready to go.”

Penn State announced improved circulation, more concessions and ribbon signs on Monday. In addition, Kraft said more restrooms are being implemented.

Kraft said he hopes to have construction of four new escalators completed before the Nittany Lions’ Big Ten opener against Illinois on Sept. 28. He did not give a specific target date for completion of the ribbon boards, but said construction is proceeding “very quickly.”

Additionally, Kraft was adamant that “nothing is impossible” to happen at Beaver Stadium because of the renovations when asked about wrestling. However, he did say that Penn State lost a major event because the stadium did not have premium seating.

About Cael Sanderson extension talks

Kraft said there have been no discussions regarding a new contract extension for Penn State wrestling head coach Cael Sanderson, despite Longtime assistant David Taylor leaves for the head coaching vacancy at Oklahoma State.

Sanderson signed a contract extension in 2022 with unknown details. Kraft added that he is open to discussing an extension if Sanderson wants to, saying, “If Cael wanted to talk about a contract extension today, we would be talking about a contract extension.”

However, Kraft explained that Sanderson is focused on other things, including preparing the team’s three Olympians for the Paris Games.

About Penn State’s NIL Boost

New internal NIL rules are a boost for Penn State football, Kraft said. The elimination of scholarship limits is “perfect” for Penn State, he also said.

NIL is better for Penn State now because it can “essentially set up a marketing agency,” Kraft said.

Penn State is partnering with PlayFly and former football star LaVar Arrington to improve the NIL.

About the Future of Penn State Hoops

Kraft expressed his excitement for the upcoming season. He thinks the Nittany Lions are in a great position after the offseason, and he was impressed with Mike Rhoades’ first year as head coach.

“I think Mike did a great job last year,” Kraft said. “You come in and you have three players, but you have to build a roster.”

“I’m excited about this team,” Kraft continued. “I think they’ve done a great job in the offseason and the portal. We’re long, we’re athletic. I think Mike would tell you the Big Ten is a physical conference, and you have to go through it to realize how physical the Big Ten is.”

Kraft said the goal is always to make the NCAA Tournament, but he seemed optimistic that Penn State will return to the big dance this season.