Oregon, Ohio State and who else?

Penn State football owns the kind of schedule conducive to a national championship run.

And that, alone, is a gift of sorts in the bullish, 18-team Big Ten.

It’s one more domino potentially falling into place in what appears to be the Nittany Lions’ best chance yet at No. 1 glory under coach James Franklin.

For now, Penn State’s 2025 football schedule possesses a smooth takeoff for a recalibrating offense, an early marquee game at home, strong off-week timing and a favorable draw, overall.

It’s the kind of balanced, not-too-difficult make-up that only seems to boost the preseason, top-five hype around the Nittany Lions — more ammunition for them getting to play for their first national title since 1986.

Here’s an analysis of their 12-game regular season and more:

Penn State football 2025 schedule (the opening): Nevada, FIU, Villanova, Oregon

The Nittany Lions certainly have an enviable opening for a top five team. They start with three non-conference games at home (Nevada, FIU, Villanova) — each one as an expected 20-point-plus favorite.

It will be welcomed tune-up work for a high-value team breaking in a new receiving corps and new starters at tight end, defensive tackle, defensive end and safety.

The Lions also get a week off to prepare for their marquee home game of the season, against Oregon on Sept. 27.

Penn State football 2025 schedule (the middle): at UCLA, Northwestern, at Iowa, Ohio State

Though this four-game middle run is the most challenging of the schedule, the timing and cadence still work well.

The Lions are rewarded following road trips to UCLA (as a big home favorite over Northwestern) and Iowa (with a second bye week).

And this critical week of rest and preparation comes right before their game-of-the-season at Ohio State. (The Lions are seeking their first win in Columbus in 14 years).

Penn State football…

Source link : https://www.ydr.com/story/sports/college/penn-state/football/2025/05/07/penn-state-football-2025-schedule-oregon-ohio-state-and-who-else/83462235007/

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Publish date : 2025-05-07 08:03:00

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