Prepare for an electrifying season as the Nittany Lions embark on an ambitious 2025 campaign. With a captivating schedule that promises an adrenaline-fueled journey, Penn State football is poised to ignite the gridiron and enthrall fans. Join the roar of the crowd and witness the brilliance of college football’s finest as they navigate a formidable gauntlet of opponents.
The Nittany Lions will kick off their season with a tantalizing home opener against the plucky Bucknell Bison. A resounding victory will set the stage for a grueling conference opener against a formidable Big Ten rival, the Wisconsin Badgers. The battle-tested Badgers present a formidable challenge, but the Nittany Lions are determined to emerge victorious and assert their dominance within the conference. As the season progresses, Penn State will face a gauntlet of tough opponents, including the explosive Maryland Terrapins, the enigmatic Indiana Hoosiers, and the perennial powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes.
The climax of the regular season will witness an epic clash against the arch-rivals, the Michigan Wolverines. The atmosphere will be electric as the two storied programs collide in a battle for Big Ten supremacy. A victory over the Wolverines would be a resounding statement, propelling the Nittany Lions toward a potential berth in the College Football Playoff. The 2025 season promises to be an unforgettable roller coaster ride, filled with thrilling wins, heartbreaking losses, and unforgettable moments. Buckle up and prepare to witness the spectacle of Penn State football as the Nittany Lions strive for greatness.
Unveiling the Anticipated 2025 Penn State Football Schedule
Get ready for an electrifying season of Penn State football as the Nittany Lions prepare to take on a formidable schedule in 2025. With a mix of old rivals and emerging powerhouses, every game promises to be a nail-biting contest. Here’s a sneak peek at the thrilling matchups that await the Lions next season:
Home Games
The Beaver Stadium faithful will witness the Lions roar at home against a gauntlet of opponents, including:
- Wagner Seahawks (FCS)
- West Virginia Mountaineers
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Purdue Boilermakers
- Indiana Hoosiers
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights
The home slate features a rematch against longtime rival West Virginia, a clash with Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State, and a potential battle for the Big Ten East crown against Purdue. With a passionate crowd cheering them on, the Lions will aim to protect their home turf and secure a strong start to the season.
Away Games
The Lions will embark on a series of challenging road tests, facing off against formidable competition:
- Syracuse Orange
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Michigan Wolverines
- Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Maryland Terrapins
The highlight of the away schedule is an early-season trip to Athens, Georgia, to face the defending National Champions, the Georgia Bulldogs. A road clash against the Michigan Wolverines will also test the mettle of the Lions, while a trip to Lincoln, Nebraska, adds an old Big Ten rivalry to the mix. Each away game will present its own unique set of challenges, and the Lions must be ready to adapt and overcome.
Nittany Lions to Embark on a Season of Gridiron Contests
Opening Encounters: Non-Conference Tests
The Nittany Lions will commence their 2025 campaign with a home clash against Idaho, marking the first matchup between the two programs. This non-conference contest will provide Penn State with an early opportunity to establish their rhythm and set the tone for the season ahead.
Navigating the Big Ten East
The heart of Penn State’s schedule lies within the competitive Big Ten East division. The Nittany Lions will face a grueling slate of rivals, including:
| Opponent | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | Away | September 27 |
| Michigan | Home | October 11 |
| Michigan State | Away | October 25 |
| Indiana | Home | November 1 |
| Maryland | Away | November 15 |
| Rutgers | Home | November 22 |
| Wisconsin | Away | November 29 |
Success in these conference matchups will play a pivotal role in determining Penn State’s fate within the Big Ten East and the potential for postseason play.
Home Field Advantage: Exploring Penn State’s 2025 Home Games
Breaking Down Penn State’s 2025 Home Slate
Penn State’s 2025 home schedule features a diverse and exciting blend of opponents. The Nittany Lions will host a trio of Big Ten opponents, including perennial powerhouse Ohio State, as well as a pair of intriguing non-conference foes. Let’s take a closer look at each matchup:
| Opponent | Date | TV |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Blue Hens | August 30 | TBA |
| Ohio State Buckeyes | September 6 | ABC/ESPN |
| Marshall Thundering Herd | September 20 | TBA |
| Indiana Hoosiers | October 11 | TBA |
| Rutgers Scarlet Knights | November 15 | TBA |
A Detailed Analysis of Penn State’s Home Opponents’ Strengths and Weaknesses
Ohio State Buckeyes (September 6): Arguably the biggest game on Penn State’s home schedule, the Buckeyes are consistently ranked among the nation’s elite. They boast an explosive offense, led by returning Heisman Trophy candidate C.J. Stroud, and a staunch defense. The Nittany Lions will need to play a near-perfect game to pull off an upset.
Marshall Thundering Herd (September 20): A rising force in Conference USA, Marshall has won two bowl games in the past three seasons. The Thundering Herd are known for their potent offense, featuring quarterback Henry Colombi and wide receiver Corey Gammage. Penn State must contain Marshall’s aerial attack to secure victory.
Indiana Hoosiers (October 11): Under head coach Tom Allen, Indiana has emerged as a formidable opponent in recent years. The Hoosiers feature a balanced offense, with quarterback Connor Bazelak and running back Shaun Shivers, and a stout defense. Penn State will need to exploit Indiana’s weaknesses and capitalize on their opportunities.
Road Warriors: Analyzing Penn State’s 2025 Away Matchups
Penn State will face a gauntlet of tough road matchups in 2025, including a trip to Ann Arbor to face a resurgent Michigan team, a visit to the Horseshoe to take on Ohio State, and a showdown against a talented Wisconsin squad at Camp Randall Stadium.
Breaking Down the Buckeyes
Ohio State is always a formidable opponent, and the 2025 matchup in Columbus will be no different. The Buckeyes have won 10 of the last 12 meetings with Penn State, including a 44-31 victory in 2023.
Ohio State’s offense is expected to be explosive once again in 2025, with quarterback C.J. Stroud set to return for his third season. The Buckeyes also boast a talented receiving corps led by Marvin Harrison Jr. and Julian Fleming.
Penn State’s defense will have its hands full trying to contain Ohio State’s offense. The Nittany Lions will need to generate pressure on Stroud and force him into mistakes. Penn State also needs to limit the big plays, as the Buckeyes have a knack for hitting explosive passes.
Key Matchup: Penn State’s Pass Rush vs. Ohio State’s Offensive Line
The key matchup in this game will be Penn State’s pass rush against Ohio State’s offensive line. Penn State has a talented pass-rushing duo in Chop Robinson and Dani Dennis-Sutton, but they will need to generate consistent pressure on Stroud to disrupt Ohio State’s offense.
Ohio State’s offensive line is one of the best in the country, led by All-American left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. The Buckeyes’ line will need to protect Stroud and open up running lanes for running back TreVeyon Henderson.
If Penn State can pressure Stroud and force him into mistakes, they will have a chance to pull off an upset in Columbus. However, if the Buckeyes’ offensive line can keep Stroud clean, it will be tough for the Nittany Lions to win.
| Penn State Pass Rush | Ohio State Offensive Line |
|---|---|
| Chop Robinson | Paris Johnson Jr. |
| Dani Dennis-Sutton | Matthew Jones |
| Adisa Isaac | Luke Wypler |
A Deep Dive into the Strength of Penn State’s 2025 Schedule
1. Strength of Schedule
Penn State’s 2025 schedule is expected to be one of the most challenging in the FBS. The Nittany Lions will face 12 teams that are expected to reach bowl games and have a combined winning percentage of .619.
2. Key Matchups
Penn State has some key matchups on its 2025 schedule. The Nittany Lions will open the season on the road against highly talented West Virginia and will also face a challenging road game against ACC foe Miami.
3. Home Slate
Penn State will have a tough home schedule in 2025. The Nittany Lions will host tough Big Ten opponents Michigan and Ohio State at home, as well as ACC foe Louisville.
4. Road Slate
Penn State will have a challenging road schedule in 2025. The Nittany Lions will face two road games against ranked opponents and will also have to travel to traditional rivals Pittsburgh and Rutgers.
5. Rankings
CBS Sports Rankings
CBS Sports projects Penn State’s 2025 schedule to be the 12th toughest in the FBS.
| Team | Predicted Rank |
|---|---|
| Ohio State | 3 |
| Michigan | 6 |
| West Virginia | 19 |
| Louisville | 31 |
| Miami | 41 |
ESPN’s Football Power Index
ESPN’s Football Power Index projects Penn State’s 2025 schedule to be the 18th toughest in the FBS.
| Team | FPI Rating |
|---|---|
| Ohio State | 1 |
| Michigan | 4 |
| West Virginia | 36 |
| Louisville | 49 |
| Miami | 65 |
Historical Rivalries Renewed: Penn State’s Iconic Opponents in 2025
Penn State’s 2025 schedule features a number of intriguing matchups, including several against historic rivals. Here’s a closer look at these iconic opponents:
West Virginia
The Mountaineers and Nittany Lions have met 51 times, with Penn State holding a 31-20 advantage. The two schools have played annually since 1993, with the exception of 2016.
Pittsburgh
The Backyard Brawl, one of college football’s oldest and most heated rivalries, will be renewed in 2025. The Panthers and Nittany Lions have met 99 times, with Pittsburgh holding a 53-43-3 edge.
Boise State
The Broncos and Nittany Lions have only met four times, but it’s a series that’s quickly becoming a rivalry. Boise State upset Penn State twice in the 1990s, but the Nittany Lions have won the last two meetings.
Navy
The Nittany Lions and Midshipmen have met 11 times, with Penn State holding a 9-2 advantage. The two schools have played annually since 1931, with the exception of 2020.
Central Michigan
Penn State and Central Michigan have met 18 times, with the Nittany Lions holding a 12-5-1 edge. The two schools have played annually since 2001, with Central Michigan upsetting Penn State in 2005.
Virginia Tech
The Hokies and Nittany Lions have met 12 times, with Penn State holding a 7-5 advantage. The two schools have played annually since 2014, with Virginia Tech upsetting Penn State in 2016.
Game Results
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | West Virginia | TBD |
| September 13 | Pittsburgh | TBD |
| September 20 | Boise State | TBD |
| September 27 | Navy | TBD |
| October 4 | Central Michigan | TBD |
| October 11 | Virginia Tech | TBD |
New Challenges Await: Unfamiliar Foes on Penn State’s 2025 Slate
Seven Unfamiliar Opponents
Penn State will face several unfamiliar foes in 2025, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the Nittany Lions. These teams include:
- Coastal Carolina: A rising star in the Sun Belt Conference, Coastal Carolina has made three consecutive bowl appearances and won the conference championship in 2020.
- East Carolina: A former Big East member, East Carolina returns to the gridiron after a one-year hiatus in 2024. The Pirates have a strong tradition, winning two conference championships in the past decade.
- Elon: A Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) powerhouse, Elon has won 10 conference titles since 2009. They will be a tough test for Penn State’s young squad.
- James Madison: Another FCS powerhouse, James Madison has won three national championships in the past decade. They will also bring a challenging offense to Beaver Stadium.
- Marshall: A long-time FBS Independent, Marshall has a rich football history. They have won two bowl games in the past five years and will be a formidable opponent.
- New Mexico State: A team in transition, New Mexico State has recently joined the FBS ranks. They will be looking to make a statement against a Big Ten powerhouse like Penn State.
- Toledo: A perennial contender in the Mid-American Conference, Toledo has made eight bowl appearances in the past decade. They will bring a balanced offense and strong defense to Happy Valley.
These unfamiliar opponents will provide Penn State with a variety of challenges, both on the field and in terms of preparation. It will be interesting to see how the Nittany Lions respond to these new foes in 2025.
Potential Pivotal Games: Identifying Key Contests in Penn State’s 2025 Schedule
Week 2: Appalachian State Mountaineers (Home)
The season opener against FCS Appalachian State may not seem like a pivotal game on paper, but it could set the tone for Penn State’s 2025 campaign. After a disappointing loss to Appalachian State in their Week 1 opener in 2022, the Mountaineers will be looking to prove that it wasn’t a fluke. Penn State needs to come out firing on all cylinders to avoid another embarrassing start to the season.
Week 4: @ Syracuse Orange (away)
Penn State’s first ACC road test will come against a Syracuse team that has been a thorn in the Nittany Lions’ side in recent years. The Orange have won three of the last four meetings between the two teams, including a 31-14 upset in 2022. Penn State will need to be prepared for a hostile environment in the Carrier Dome.
Week 7: @ Purdue Boilermakers (away)
Purdue has emerged as a legitimate threat in the Big Ten West in recent years, and they will be looking to make a statement against Penn State in 2025. The Boilermakers have a talented offense led by quarterback Aidan O’Connell and running back Devin Mockobee. Penn State’s defense will need to step up in a big way to slow down Purdue’s high-scoring attack.
Week 9: @ Michigan State Spartans (away)
Penn State’s toughest road test in the Big Ten East will come against a Michigan State team that is rebuilding under head coach Mel Tucker. The Spartans have a lot of young talent and they will be looking to make a big statement in their first season in a renovated Spartan Stadium. Penn State will need to be prepared for a physical and hostile environment.
Week 11: Ohio State Buckeyes (home)
The annual matchup between Penn State and Ohio State is always one of the most anticipated games of the college football season. In 2025, the Buckeyes will be looking to avenge their loss to Penn State in 2022. The Nittany Lions will need to play their best game of the season to have a chance against a loaded Ohio State team.
Week 12: @ Indiana Hoosiers (away)
Penn State has had some tough luck in recent years against Indiana, losing two of the last three meetings. The Hoosiers are a well-coached team with a lot of talent, and they will be looking to make a statement against Penn State in 2025. The Nittany Lions will need to be prepared for a physical and competitive game in Bloomington.
Week 13: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (home)
Penn State’s regular season finale against Rutgers will be a crucial game for bowl positioning. The Scarlet Knights have been a tough opponent for the Nittany Lions in recent years, and they will be looking to play spoiler in 2025. Penn State will need to finish the season strong to earn a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game.
Week 10: Minnesota Golden Gophers (home)
The Minnesota Golden Gophers will be looking to make a statement against Penn State in 2025, and the Nittany Lions will need to be prepared for a tough challenge. Minnesota has a talented offense led by quarterback Tanner Morgan and running back Bryce Williams, and their defense is one of the most underrated in the Big Ten. Penn State will need to play their best game of the season to have a chance against the Golden Gophers.
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Ohio State | 11-1 |
| Penn State | 10-2 |
| Michigan | 9-3 |
| Michigan State | 8-4 |
| Purdue | 7-5 |
| Iowa | 6-6 |
| Wisconsin | 5-7 |
| Indiana | 4-8 |
| Rutgers | 3-9 |
| Maryland | 0-12 |
Playoff Implications: Penn State’s Quest for Postseason Glory in 2025
The Importance of a Strong Start
Penn State’s schedule in 2025 provides a prime opportunity for the Nittany Lions to establish a strong foundation for their playoff hopes. Opening with two home games against lesser opponents, Kent State and Ball State, before facing a tough non-conference matchup with West Virginia, Penn State has the chance to gain momentum and build confidence early in the season.
September Showdowns
September will be a pivotal month for Penn State, with the Nittany Lions facing three straight ranked opponents. The first of these comes in Week 3 when Purdue visits Beaver Stadium. The Boilermakers, under the direction of Jeff Brohm, have emerged as a formidable force in the Big Ten West. Week 4 brings a daunting road test at Virginia Tech, a program with a rich history and a passionate home crowd. The month culminates with a showdown against Ohio State, the defending national champions and perhaps Penn State’s toughest opponent of the season.
Big Ten Battles
The Big Ten schedule is always a gauntlet, and 2025 is no exception. Penn State will navigate a daunting slate of conference games, including road trips to Michigan, Indiana, and Maryland. The matchup against Michigan in Week 7 is particularly noteworthy, as the Wolverines have been a perennial contender in the Big Ten East. Penn State’s home schedule also features tough tests against Wisconsin, Rutgers, and Illinois.
November to Remember
The final month of the regular season will present Penn State with two critical opportunities to make a statement. A Week 11 matchup against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium could be a pivotal game in the Big Ten East race. The season concludes with a colossal road game against archrival Nebraska, a team that Penn State has traditionally struggled to defeat in Lincoln.
The Road to the Postseason
If Penn State can navigate its challenging schedule, the Nittany Lions will be well-positioned for a berth in the College Football Playoff. The expanded 12-team format provides more opportunities for teams to qualify for the postseason, and Penn State’s strong resume could earn them a spot in the field.
Key Matchups
Here are some of the key matchups that could shape Penn State’s playoff hopes in 2025:
| Week | Opponent |
|---|---|
| 3 | Purdue |
| 4 | Virginia Tech |
| 5 | Ohio State |
| 7 | Michigan |
| 11 | Michigan State |
| 12 | Nebraska |
These games will provide Penn State with the opportunity to showcase their talent and build a strong case for inclusion in the College Football Playoff. With a strong performance in these key matchups, the Nittany Lions could find themselves competing for a national championship in 2025.
10. Key Players to Watch in the 2025 Season
The 2025 season will feature a number of key players for Penn State, including:
Quarterback: Drew Allar
Allar is a 5-star recruit who is considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He will be looking to take over the starting job as a redshirt sophomore in 2025.
Running Back: Nick Singleton
Singleton is a 5-star recruit who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a true freshman in 2022. He is expected to be a key part of the Nittany Lions’ offense in 2025.
Wide Receiver: Parker Washington
Washington is a 5-star recruit who has started 25 games over his first three seasons at Penn State. He is expected to be a key target for Allar in the passing game.
Linebacker: Curtis Jacobs
Jacobs is a 4-star recruit who has started 20 games over his first three seasons at Penn State. He is expected to be a leader of the Nittany Lions’ defense in 2025.
Defensive Back: Kalen King
King is a 4-star recruit who has started 15 games over his first two seasons at Penn State. He is expected to be a key part of the Nittany Lions’ secondary in 2025.
| Player | Position | Year | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Allar | Quarterback | Redshirt Sophomore | 5 |
| Nick Singleton | Running Back | Redshirt Junior | 5 |
| Parker Washington | Wide Receiver | Redshirt Senior | 5 |
| Curtis Jacobs | Linebacker | Redshirt Senior | 4 |
| Kalen King | Defensive Back | Redshirt Junior | 4 |
Penn State 2025 Schedule
The Penn State Nittany Lions football team has released its schedule for the 2025 season. The Nittany Lions will open the season at home against the Ball State Cardinals on September 6. They will then travel to face the Syracuse Orange on September 13. Penn State will have a bye week on September 20 before hosting the Ohio Bobcats on September 27. The Nittany Lions will then travel to face the Michigan Wolverines on October 4 and the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 11.
Penn State will have its second bye week of the season on October 18 before hosting the Indiana Hoosiers on October 25. The Nittany Lions will then travel to face the Maryland Terrapins on November 1 and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on November 8. Penn State will close out the regular season at home against the Michigan State Spartans on November 15.
People Also Ask About Penn State 2025 Schedule
When does Penn State start the 2025 season?
Penn State starts the 2025 season on September 6 at home against the Ball State Cardinals.
Who does Penn State play in 2025?
Penn State plays Ball State, Syracuse, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Maryland, Rutgers, and Michigan State in 2025.
How many bye weeks does Penn State have in 2025?
Penn State has two bye weeks in 2025, one on September 20 and one on October 18.
When is Penn State’s homecoming game in 2025?
Penn State’s homecoming game in 2025 is on October 25 against the Indiana Hoosiers.
When is Penn State’s rivalry game against Ohio State in 2025?
Penn State does not play Ohio State in 2025.
