Introduction
The 2025 Penn State football schedule gave fans everything they hoped for: seven home games, a historic Big Ten opener, and a clear path to the College Football Playoff . The Nittany Lions kicked off with three straight wins at Beaver Stadium before a showdown with Oregon on September 27. From start to finish, this slate shaped one of the most memorable seasons in recent memory.
Penn State Football Schedule 2025: Complete Game-by-Game Table
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (ET) | TV | Result |
| Aug. 30 | Nevada | Beaver Stadium | 3:30 PM | CBS | W, 46-11 |
| Sept. 6 | FIU | Beaver Stadium | 12:00 PM | Big Ten Network | W, 34-0 |
| Sept. 13 | Villanova | Beaver Stadium | 3:30 PM | FS1 | W, 52-6 |
| Sept. 20 | BYE WEEK | β | β | β | β |
| Sept. 27 | Oregon | Beaver Stadium | 7:30 PM | NBC | L, 30-24 (2OT) |
| Oct. 4 | UCLA | Rose Bowl | TBA | CBS | L, 42-37 |
| Oct. 11 | Northwestern | Beaver Stadium | 12:00 PM | FS1 | L, 22-21 |
| Oct. 18 | Iowa | Kinnick Stadium | TBA | Peacock | L, 25-24 |
| Oct. 25 | BYE WEEK | β | β | β | β |
| Nov. 1 | Ohio State | Ohio Stadium | TBA | FOX | L, 38-14 |
| Nov. 8 | Indiana | Beaver Stadium | 12:00 PM | FOX | L, 27-24 |
| Nov. 15 | Michigan State | Spartan Stadium | TBA | CBS | W, 28-10 |
| Nov. 22 | Nebraska | Beaver Stadium | TBA | NBC | W, 37-10 |
| Nov. 29 | Rutgers | SHI Stadium | TBA | Big Ten Network | W, 40-36 |
| Dec. 27 | Clemson (Pinstripe Bowl) | Yankee Stadium | 12:00 PM | ABC | W, 22-10 |
Note: Kickoff times marked TBA were announced 6-12 days before game day.
What Were the Key Matchups in the 2025 Penn State Football Schedule?
Two games defined the season’s trajectory.
Oregon at Penn State (Sept. 27) β The White Out game delivered drama. The Nittany Lions forced overtime but fell 30-24 after a double-overtime interception ended their comeback bid . This was Penn State’s first Big Ten regular-season meeting with Oregon.
Penn State at Ohio State (Nov. 1) β A trip to Columbus always tests a team’s mettle. The Buckeyes controlled this one, handing Penn State a 38-14 loss .
Both matchups showed the gap between competing for a conference title and actually winning one.
How Did the 2025 Season Unfold for the Nittany Lions?
The season started with fireworks. Penn State outscored Nevada, FIU, and Villanova by a combined 132-17 margin . Running back Kaytron Allen established himself early, finishing the year with 1,303 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on his way to becoming the school’s all-time leading rusher .
Then came the Oregon game. The double-overtime loss at Beaver Stadium seemed to leave a mark. Penn State dropped five straight conference games after the White Out, including a stunning 42-37 defeat at UCLA where the Bruins entered winless .
A midseason quarterback change shifted the offense’s identity. When Drew Allar suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Northwestern, freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer stepped in. He completed 69.1% of his passes for 1,339 yards and eight touchdowns across 11 games .
Head coach James Franklin was dismissed the day after the Northwestern loss, ending his 12-year tenure . Interim coach Terry Smith steadied the ship, leading the team to three straight wins to close the regular season and a Pinstripe Bowl victory over Clemson .
What Was the Season Record for Penn State Football in 2025?
Penn State finished 7-6 overall and 3-6 in Big Ten play . The Nittany Lions scored 31.0 points per game while allowing 20.5 . The Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson gave the program its seventh victory and some momentum heading into the offseason.
Where Did Penn State Play Its Home Games in 2025?
All home games took place at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania . The venue hosted seven games in 2025, including the White Out against Oregon and a November matchup with Nebraska. Beaver Stadium remains one of college football’s largest and loudest venues.
Who Were the Standout Players on the 2025 Penn State Football Schedule?
Kaytron Allen (RB) β The senior rushed for 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns, cementing his legacy as Penn State’s all-time leading rusher .
Ethan Grunkemeyer (QB) β Thrust into action as a freshman, he completed 69.1% of his passes with eight touchdowns and four interceptions .
Nick Singleton (RB) β Despite a reduced role, Singleton broke Saquon Barkley’s career records for total touchdowns and rushing touchdowns .
Amare Campbell (LB) β Led the defense with 96 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and a 61-yard fumble return for a touchdown at Rutgers .
What Changed for Penn State Football After the 2025 Schedule?
The offseason brought significant turnover. Matt Campbell was hired as the new head coach, replacing James Franklin . Campbell arrived from Iowa State with a reputation for program building.
The 2026 schedule will look different. Penn State opens with Marshall, Temple, and Buffalo before Big Ten play begins September 26 against Wisconsin . The 2025 season, with its highs and lows, set the stage for a new era in Happy Valley.
Penn State 2025 Schedule: What Fans Should Remember
The 2025 Penn State football schedule delivered unforgettable moments. Allen’s record-breaking runs. Grunkemeyer’s emergence. The White Out atmosphere against Oregon. The season didn’t end with a conference title, but it showed the program’s foundation remains strong.
For fans looking ahead, the 2026 slate offers fresh hope. New coach. New energy. Same expectations. Penn State football never stops, and the next chapter begins soon.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Penn State Football Schedule 2025
Did Penn State beat Oregon in 2025?
No. Oregon won 30-24 in double overtime at Beaver Stadium on September 27. The Ducks intercepted a pass in the second overtime to seal the victory .
Who did Penn State play in the 2025 season opener?
Penn State opened against Nevada on August 30, 2025. The Nittany Lions won 46-11 at Beaver Stadium .
How many home games did Penn State have in 2025?
Penn State played seven home games in 2025, including matchups with Nevada, FIU, Villanova, Oregon, Northwestern, Indiana, and Nebraska .
What was Penn State’s record in 2025?
Penn State finished the 2025 season with a 7-6 overall record and a 3-6 mark in Big Ten play. The Nittany Lions won the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson .
Who was Penn State’s coach in 2025?
James Franklin coached the first eight games before being dismissed. Interim coach Terry Smith led the team for the final five games, including the bowl victory .
When did Penn State play Ohio State in 2025?
Penn State traveled to Columbus on November 1, 2025. Ohio State won 38-14 .
Conclusion
The 2025 season reminded everyone why college football hits different. Allen’s record. Grunkemeyer’s grit. A bowl win to cap it off. Now the page turns to 2026 and a new coaching era.
What was your favorite moment from the 2025 Penn State football schedule? Drop a comment and share your take. If you’re ready for kickoff, mark your calendarβthe Nittany Lions return soon.
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