The Big Ten’s decision to get rid of divisions in 2024 has completely flipped the script, and no team might benefit more than Penn State. After years of being trapped behind Michigan and Ohio State in the East, the Nittany Lions broke through and reached the Big Ten championship game in 2024. Can they do it again in 2025?
Penn State’s 2025 schedule doesn’t look easy, but it’s more balanced than what we’ve seen in the past. No more getting boxed out of Indy just because Michigan and Ohio State are also elite. This time, it’s all about overall records and tiebreakers, and that gives James Franklin’s squad a real shot.
Key matchups to circle
The one everyone’s circling is the trip to Columbus. Ohio State will still be the measuring stick game, and a win there could swing the whole season. Before that, however, Penn State gets a Big Ten championship game rematch with Oregon. The home game against the Ducks will be the whiteout game and will be played din primetime, much to the delight of the fans.
If Penn State can sweep both games, there will likely be nothing left to trip Penn State up on its way to a return to the Big Ten championship game. A split in these two games would still position Penn State well for a spot in the College Football Playoff and keep them in the mix for a Big Ten title.
One major positive? No Michigan on the regular-season slate. That’s a massive break, especially considering how the Wolverines have been a thorn in PSU’s side the past few years.
Where the bye falls matters
Penn State’s first bye week falls after the first three games of the season, all non-conference games, and comes immediately before hosting Oregon in the Big Ten opener. Not a bad spot for an early bye week. Penn State also gets the benefit of a bye week before traveling to Ohio State in October. Penn State could…
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Publish date : 2025-07-25 13:00:00
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