The 2026 Penn State football schedule opens at home against Marshall on September 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Penn State Nittany Lions face 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big Ten Championship appearance, with a mid-October bye and high-profile home dates against ranked USC and several Big Ten opponents.
Beaver Stadium hosts seven home dates on the 2026 Penn State Nittany Lions Football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in mid-October with a home date against ranked USC followed by a road trip to ranked Michigan.
2026 Penn State Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Marshall Thundering HerdBeaver Stadium, University Park, PA | 3:30pm ETFS1 | ||
| Saturday | at Temple OwlsLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA | 12:00pm ETESPN2 | ||
| Saturday | Buffalo BullsBeaver Stadium, University Park, PA | 12:00pm ETBTN | ||
| Saturday | Wisconsin BadgersBeaver Stadium, University Park, PA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | at Northwestern WildcatsRyan Field, Evanston, IL | 8:00pm ETFOX | ||
| Saturday | 14 USC TrojansBeaver Stadium, University Park, PA | 7:30pm ETNBC/Peacock | ||
| Saturday | at 16 Michigan WolverinesMichigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | Purdue BoilermakersBeaver Stadium, University Park, PA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 17 Washington HuskiesHusky Stadium, Seattle, WA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Minnesota Golden GophersBeaver Stadium, University Park, PA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Rutgers Scarlet KnightsBeaver Stadium, University Park, PA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Maryland TerrapinsSECU Stadium, College Park, MD | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | vs Big Ten ChampionshipLucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | 8:00pm ETFOX |
How the 2026 Penn State Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with a mix of home and road games on the 2026 Penn State Nittany Lions Football schedule. Marshall at home, a road trip to Temple, Buffalo at home, and Wisconsin at home. That early stretch gives the Nittany Lions three home dates and one road contest before Big Ten play intensifies.
October brings a Friday night road trip to Northwestern on FOX, #14 USC at home on NBC/Peacock, a road game at #16 Michigan, and the bye week. The ranked home date against USC is the clearest mid-season measuring stick.
November features Purdue at home, a road trip to #17 Washington, Minnesota and Rutgers at home, and a closer at Maryland. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big Ten Championship appearance.
Home Games at Beaver Stadium
Seven home dates appear on the 2026 Penn State football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Marshall
- September 19 vs. Buffalo
- September 26 vs. Wisconsin
- October 10 vs. #14 USC
- October 31 vs. Purdue
- November 14 vs. Minnesota
- November 21 vs. Rutgers
The USC and Wisconsin games will generate the strongest crowds in University Park.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Penn State football schedule.
The October 10 home game against #14 USC is an early Big Ten measuring stick. The October 17 road trip to #16 Michigan is a key ranked test. The November 7 road game at #17 Washington will likely decide late-season momentum.
Win two of those three and the Nittany Lions stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 Big Ten Championship appearance in Indianapolis.
Where to Watch Penn State Nittany Lions Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 Penn State football schedule:
- FS1 (Sept. 5 vs. Marshall)
- ESPN2 (Sept. 12 at Temple)
- BTN (Sept. 19 vs. Buffalo)
- FOX (Oct. 2 at Northwestern)
- NBC/Peacock (Oct. 10 vs. USC)
- FOX (Dec. 5 Big Ten Championship)
Most remaining Big Ten games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 5 — Season opener vs. Marshall, 3:30 p.m. ET, FS1
- Oct. 10 — #14 USC at home, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
- Oct. 17 — At #16 Michigan
- Oct. 24 — Bye week
- Nov. 7 — At #17 Washington
- Dec. 5 — Potential Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis, 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX
The 2026 Penn State football schedule opens with three early home games and builds toward ranked tests. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Penn State open the 2026 season?
Penn State opens the 2026 season at home against Marshall on Saturday, September 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
How many home games do the Penn State Nittany Lions have in 2026?
The Nittany Lions have seven home games at Beaver Stadium on the 2026 Penn State football schedule: Marshall, Buffalo, Wisconsin, #14 USC, Purdue, Minnesota, and Rutgers.
Who do the Penn State Nittany Lions play on October 10?
On October 10 the Nittany Lions host #14 USC at Beaver Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock.
What channel are Penn State games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include FS1, ESPN2, BTN, FOX, NBC/Peacock, and FOX for the championship. Most Big Ten games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
