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 2025 schedule (ending): Indiana, at Michigan State, Nebraska, at Rutgers
The Lions expect to be an undefeated or one-loss team heading into their November stretch run.
This team is built well to withstand late-season glitches because of its dominating run game and another deep defense, this one coached by arguably the nation’s top coordinator.
Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen running behind its best offensive line in decades can make up for expected compromising injuries and weariness elsewhere — especially in time for feisty challenges from Indiana and Nebraska.
There’s also this: Penn State does not have to play Michigan, Illinois and USC this season — all dangerous, Top 20 type teams.
Penn State football 2025 schedule (postseason): Big Ten Championship, College Football Playoff
Penn State’s postseason path turns if it can qualify for its second straight Big Ten Championship game.
A victory there would give PSU a playoff bye to the CFP quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl — with a potential rematch with Ohio State lurking there or in the semifinals.
These Lions, of course, must win only that final meeting.
If they want to get where they haven’t been in nearly 40 years.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.
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