Penn State’s 2025 nonconference slate featured matchups against Nevada, Florida International and Villanova, and this year’s slate isn’t much better, with Marshall, Temple and Buffalo on deck.
With all due respect to those schools, the Nittany Lion faithful deserve higher quality out-of-conference games, including at least one power conference foe per year.
The benefits of better scheduling include increased attendance, television viewership, national exposure and revenue, albeit with an increased chance of a loss.
Here are some intriguing options for nonconference opponents Penn State should reach out to.
Note: West Virginia and Syracuse aren’t included, as the Nittany Lions recently played the Mountaineers (2023-24) and are already scheduled to play the Orange (2027-28)
Pitt
Though the Nittany Lions have branded themselves as being “unrivaled,” the team’s closest thing to a rival is the only other power conference program in the state.
Penn State and Pitt have clashed exactly 100 times throughout their storied histories, with the Nittany Lions holding a 53-43-4 edge.
Though the series has only been played four times since 2000, a quick glance at Twitter/X reveals the vitriol is still very much alive between both fanbases, creating potential for emotionally charged battles on the gridiron.
While Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi has been vocal about wanting the rivalry to be played annually, James Franklin was largely opposed. With Matt Campbell now at the helm, the Keystone clash could return, as his Iowa State teams met with in-state rival Iowa annually.
Virginia Tech
There are several reasons for Penn State to add Virginia Tech to its schedule, including, obviously, James Franklin.
While Franklin’s preference has always been for cupcakes over quality opponents, the ACC instituted a requirement beginning in 2026 that all member institutions play a Power 4 nonconference game.
The Hokies’ main rival, Virginia, is already locked in during conference play, so they don’t have an annual nonconference rivalry — neither do the Nittany Lions.
The hatred between fanbases this offseason has been real, and duking it out on the field for the first time ever would draw massive interest, not just from the schools involved but from a national audience.
Additionally, a home-and-home series would allow both fanbases to experience two of the better atmospheres in the sport, with a potential White Out in Beaver Stadium and Lane Stadium’s iconic “Enter Sandman” entrance.
The distance between campuses is drivable, creating an easy opportunity for both fanbases, which are known for traveling well.
Notre Dame
The 2025 Orange Bowl between Penn State and Notre Dame stoked the flames of an old rivalry, showing just how much animosity remains between two storied programs that are more similar than they are different.
The Fighting Irish, one of two college football teams that remain independent as of 2026, are always looking for teams to fill their schedule. Their rivalry with USC has an uncertain future due to scheduling disputes, which could potentially open the door for the Nittany Lions.
While Penn State now resides in the Big Ten, most of the previous meetings between the two came when they were both independent. It’s also been a highly competitive series, with Notre Dame holding a slight 10-9-1 edge.
The proximity of the two schools and the overlap in recruiting regions means they often meet in off-field battles over coaches and commitments (Ja’juan Seider, Jim Knowles, Joey O’Brien, Grayson McKeogh, Aidan O’Neil, Cooper Terwilliger, Khary Adams, to name a few recent ones).
Not only would games between two of college football’s biggest brands draw massive viewership and revenue, the winner may benefit on the recruiting trail.
Miami (Florida)
Unlike the other options, Miami isn’t located within Penn State’s region — but there would still be several benefits to scheduling a series with the Hurricanes.
For one, the two have a history: the Nittany Lions lead the all-time series 7-6, including some memorable meetings. Most notably, Penn State’s most recent claimed national championship came after defeating the Hurricanes 14-10 in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl.
Additionally, playing a pair of contests against Miami — including a game at Hard Rock Stadium — would help the Nittany Lions’ brand in one of the most fertile recruiting regions in the country.
Recruits who otherwise wouldn’t may tune in for the matchup or see Penn State play in person, which can help develop a reputation in the area, especially with a win.
Penn State, which seldom pulls recruits out of Alabama, landed a major (at the time) win with four-star 2023 prospect DaKaari Nelson. His commitment came less than a year after the Nittany Lions beat Auburn at Beaver Stadium and just two months before they did it again at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The kicker? Nelson was on an unofficial visit to Auburn, which was heavily recruiting him, and watched from the sideline as Penn State rolled to a 41–12 victory in Jordan-Hare.
