Michigan State, Penn State Re-Shaping NCAA Hockey
Michigan State and Penn State University have dominated the NCAA discourse this offseason, and it’s laying the groundwork for a new top rivalry in college hockey.A rivalry is brewing and ready to hit a new level in the upcoming NCAA men’s hockey season. The Big Ten conference has improved leaps and bounds over the last decade, and it’s led to the 2025-2026 season. Four programs within the conference have legitimate hopes of winning a national championship, and two of those schools stand out after having the most exciting summer of recruiting additions.
Michigan State and Penn State University have dominated the NCAA discourse this offseason, and it’s laying the groundwork for a new top rivalry in college hockey. PSU added the most exciting prospect in years when they announced a commitment from presumptive 2026 first-overall pick, Gavin McKenna. After their first trip to the Frozen Four earlier this year, McKenna has catapulted them to national title contender.
