You love the Nittany Lions but keeping track of every game date, kickoff time, and broadcast channel turns into a full-time job. Miss one big rivalry weekend and the regret lasts all season. This guide hands you the complete penn state football schedule with ticket links, TV details, and everything you need to plan your fall around Beaver Stadium.
Full Penn State Football Schedule 2025 at a Glance
The penn state football schedule 2025 features a loaded slate of Big Ten battles and non-conference showdowns. James Franklin and the Nittany Lions face familiar rivals plus new conference opponents after the Big Ten expansion reshuffled the league.
Below is the projected framework for the upcoming season. Always verify exact dates and kickoff times on the official home of Penn State Athletics.
| Week | Date (Projected) | Opponent | Location | Kickoff (ET) | TV Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Late August | Nevada | Beaver Stadium, State College | TBA | BTN / FOX |
| 2 | Early September | FIU | Beaver Stadium, State College | TBA | BTN |
| 3 | Mid September | Villanova | Beaver Stadium, State College | TBA | Peacock / BTN |
| 4 | Late September | Oregon | Autzen Stadium, Eugene | TBA | FOX / NBC |
| 5 | Early October | Bye Week | — | — | — |
| 6 | Mid October | UCLA | Beaver Stadium, State College | TBA | CBS / FOX |
| 7 | Late October | Iowa | Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City | TBA | FOX / BTN |
| 8 | Early November | Ohio State | Beaver Stadium, State College | TBA | NBC / FOX |
| 9 | Mid November | Indiana | Memorial Stadium, Bloomington | TBA | FOX / BTN |
| 10 | Late November | Purdue | Beaver Stadium, State College | TBA | BTN |
| 11 | Late November | Michigan State | Spartan Stadium, East Lansing | TBA | FOX / NBC |
| 12 | Early December | Maryland | Beaver Stadium, State College | TBA | FOX / BTN |
| 13 | Late November | Michigan | Beaver Stadium, State College | TBA | FOX / NBC |
Note: Kickoff times and TV assignments shift throughout the season. The Big Ten and its broadcast partners typically announce windows six to twelve days before each game. Check for the latest updates.
Big Ten Conference Matchups That Define the Season
The Big Ten portion of the penn state football schedule carries the most weight for playoff positioning. Conference games determine whether the Nittany Lions compete for a championship or watch from home in December.
- Ohio State at Beaver Stadium remains the marquee event. The White Out tradition turns State College into the loudest venue in college football.
- Michigan closes the regular season most years, and that rivalry has grown fiercer with both programs consistently ranked in the top 15.
- Iowa on the road always presents a physical, low-scoring grind that tests offensive patience.
Every Big Ten win tightens the grip on a College Football Playoff berth. Every loss opens the door for rivals.
Non-Conference Games on the Penn State Football Schedule
Non-conference weekends give Penn State a chance to build momentum early. The 2025 slate opens with home games against Nevada, FIU, and Villanova at Beaver Stadium.
These matchups let the coaching staff evaluate depth, test new formations, and shake off rust before the gauntlet begins. Fans also enjoy lower ticket prices and a relaxed tailgate atmosphere during these September dates.
Keep an eye on how the starters perform in these tune-up games. Early dominance signals a team ready to attack the tougher stretch ahead.
How to Watch Penn State Football on TV and Streaming
Broadcast rights for the penn state football schedule spread across several networks. Big Ten games rotate between FOX, CBS, NBC, and the Big Ten Network. Some midweek or early-season contests land on Peacock or FS1.
Here is a quick breakdown of where to find each penn state football game:
- FOX / FS1: Carries the majority of high-profile Saturday matchups.
- CBS: Typically airs one Big Ten game per week in the afternoon window.
- NBC: Hosts select primetime games, including potential White Out contests.
- Big Ten Network (BTN): Covers most home games against lower-profile opponents.
- Peacock: Streams exclusive Big Ten games not available on linear TV.
Set your DVR early. Time slots shift frequently once the six-day selection window opens each week.
Penn State Football Tickets: Where to Buy and What to Expect
Demand for penn state football tickets spikes the moment the schedule drops. Season ticket holders lock in the best seats, but single-game options remain available through the official Penn State Athletics ticket office at gopsusports.com.
- General admission for non-conference home games starts around $50–$80.
- Big Ten rivalry games like Ohio State and Michigan routinely exceed $200 on the secondary market.
- Student tickets sell out fast each August, so current Penn State students should claim theirs the day the portal opens.
Buy directly from the university or verified resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek to avoid counterfeit tickets.
Beaver Stadium: Your Guide to Game Day in State College
Beaver Stadium holds over 106,000 fans, making it the second-largest penn state football stadium in the country. The energy inside this concrete bowl on a crisp October afternoon is something every college football fan should experience at least once.
- Tailgating begins as early as 6 a.m. in the lots surrounding the stadium. Arrive early to secure parking.
- The White Out against Ohio State asks every fan to wear white, creating a visual wall that visiting teams describe as genuinely intimidating.
- Accessibility services include shuttle routes, companion seating, and ASL interpreters upon request.
Plan your trip to State College well in advance. Hotels within a 30-mile radius book up months before big rivalry weekends.
Penn State Football Head Coach and Team Outlook
James Franklin enters the 2025 season as the penn state football head coach with a clear mandate: win the Big Ten and reach the College Football Playoff. His staff has reloaded through the transfer portal and a strong recruiting class.
Key storylines surrounding the penn state football coach and his roster include:
- Quarterback competition: The battle under center will shape the entire offensive identity.
- Defensive line depth: Penn State returns experienced edge rushers capable of disrupting any Big Ten backfield.
- Wide receiver room: New additions give the passing game a speed boost it lacked in previous seasons.
Franklin’s tenure has produced consistent top-15 finishes. The next step is breaking through to a conference title and a deep playoff run.
Tracking the Penn State Football Score and Rankings
Staying current with every penn state football score is simple when you know where to look. The AP Poll, Coaches Poll, and College Football Playoff rankings all update weekly during the season.
- Live scores: Follow the penn state football score today on ESPN, the NCAA app, or gopsusports.com.
- Rankings: The penn state football ranking fluctuates based on conference results and strength of schedule. A strong start can vault the Nittany Lions into the top five.
- Playoff implications: The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format rewards high-ranked conference champions with first-round byes.
Bookmark for official standings and weekly ranking releases every Sunday during the season.
Penn State Football News and Updates Throughout the Season
The penn state football news cycle never truly slows down. Spring practice reports, fall camp depth charts, injury updates, and postgame press conferences keep fans engaged year-round.
Reliable sources for breaking penn state football updates include:
- Onward State: Student-run outlet with insider access and sharp analysis.
- Blue White Illustrated: Covers recruiting, transfers, and scheme breakdowns.
- The Athletic: National reporters provide context on how Penn State stacks up against the rest of the Big Ten.
Set up Google Alerts for “penn state football” to receive daily digests straight to your inbox.
Rivalry Games: Ohio State, Michigan, and More
No discussion of the penn state football schedule is complete without highlighting the rivalry games that define the program’s identity. These matchups carry emotional weight that transcends win-loss records.
- Ohio State: The White Out game at Beaver Stadium is the crown jewel of the season. Both fan bases circle this date the moment the schedule releases.
- Michigan: The regular-season finale often decides Big Ten East supremacy and playoff seeding.
- Michigan State: The Land Grant Trophy game may lack national hype, but the players treat it with genuine intensity.
- Pitt (non-conference): When scheduled, the Keystone Classic rekindles one of the oldest rivalries in the sport.
Circle these dates on your calendar. They are the games that shape legacies.
How the Penn State Football Schedule Affects Playoff Hopes
The structure of the penn state football schedule directly impacts College Football Playoff positioning. A back-loaded stretch of ranked opponents can either build a résumé or expose weaknesses at the worst possible time.
- Early wins against quality non-conference foes boost strength of schedule metrics.
- Midseason bye weeks provide critical recovery time before the November gauntlet.
- Late-season road games test mental toughness and often separate contenders from pretenders.
The 12-team playoff format rewards consistency. One bad loss no longer eliminates a team, but stacking quality wins remains the surest path to a first-round bye.
Planning Your Tailgate Around the Penn State Football Game Today
Game day in State College starts long before kickoff. If you are heading to a penn state football game today, here is a quick checklist to maximize your experience.
- Arrive by 8 a.m. for prime tailgate spots in the Nittany and Jordan lots.
- Pack layers. Central Pennsylvania weather shifts rapidly from September warmth to November chill.
- Download the Penn State Athletics app for real-time parking maps, gate entry info, and mobile ticket scanning.
- Grab a creamery ice cream from the famous Berkey Creamery on campus before heading to your seat.
The atmosphere at Beaver Stadium rewards those who show up early and stay late.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Penn State football season start?
The penn state football schedule typically kicks off the last weekend of August or the first weekend of September. The 2025 opener is projected for late August at Beaver Stadium.
Where can I watch Penn State football games?
Penn State football games air on FOX, CBS, NBC, BTN, and Peacock. Broadcast assignments are announced one to two weeks before each game. Check gopsusports.com for the latest penn state football tv listings.
How do I get Penn State football tickets?
Purchase tickets through the official Penn State Athletics website or verified resale platforms like StubHub. Student tickets go on sale each August through the university portal.
Who is the Penn State football head coach?
James Franklin is the penn state football head coach. He has led the Nittany Lions since 2014 and guided the program to multiple New Year’s Six bowl appearances.
What is the Penn State football ranking right now?
Rankings update weekly during the season. Check the AP Poll and College Football Playoff standings on ncaa.com for the most current penn state football ranking.
Where is the Penn State football stadium located?
Beaver Stadium sits on the University Park campus in State College, Pennsylvania. It seats over 106,000 fans and is one of the largest stadiums in the Western Hemisphere.