Penn State Nittany Lions Football

The 2024 Penn State Nittany Lions football team, representing Pennsylvania State University in the Big Ten Conference, is led by head coach James Franklin. They play their home games at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.

Penn State Nittany Lions Football Team Introduction

The Penn State Nittany Lions football team, representing Pennsylvania State University, competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as part of the Big Ten Conference. Since their establishment in 1887, they've enjoyed notable successes, including two national championships in 1982 and 1986 and four Big Ten titles in 1994, 2005, 2008, and 2016. They've had 13 undefeated seasons and appeared in 52 bowl games, boasting a strong post-season record. Beaver Stadium, their home ground located in University Park, Pennsylvania, hosts their thrilling matches. With a rich history and passionate fan base, the Nittany Lions continue to make their mark in college football.

Penn State Nittany Lions Football Team History

The Penn State Nittany Lions football team has a rich history. Since their start in 1887, they've achieved big wins, including two national championships in 1982 and 1986 and four Big Ten titles. They've become a powerhouse in college football, with 13 undefeated seasons and 52 bowl-game appearances. Their home games are played at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania, where fans gather to cheer on their beloved team every season.

Penn State Nittany Lions Football Team Coaches

Head Coach Profile:

James Franklin, born February 2, 1972, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, is the head football coach at Penn State since 2014. He previously coached at Vanderbilt University. Franklin excelled as a quarterback at East Stroudsburg University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in psychology in 1995.

Penn State Nittany Lions Football Team Stadium

Beaver Stadium, located on the campus of Pennsylvania State University in University Park, has been home to the Penn State Nittany Lions football team since 1960. Named after James A. Beaver, a former governor of Pennsylvania, it has a seating capacity of 106,572, making it one of the largest stadiums globally. Renowned for its tough atmosphere, it's been lauded for having the best student section in college football multiple times. In 2016, it was voted the top football stadium in the country, and in 2019, it won the title of Ultimate Stadium in a USA Today poll.

Penn State Nittany Lions Football Team Rivals

Michigan State vs. Penn State:

Michigan State and Penn State compete for the Land Grant Trophy in a rivalry with ups and downs. While they didn't play annually for some years due to being in different divisions, they renewed their series in 2014. Penn State holds a slight edge in the trophy games, but overall, the series is tied at 18–18–1.

Pittsburgh vs. Penn State:

The rivalry between Pittsburgh and Penn State dates back to 1893 and has had periods of dominance from both sides. After a 15-year break, the series was revived in 2011, with Penn State winning most of the games. They hold a 10-win advantage in the series, with a 53–43–4 record.

Ohio State vs. Penn State:

Penn State and Ohio State have a rivalry that stretches back before Penn State joined the Big Ten. They've met annually since 1993, with Ohio State currently leading the series with 23 wins to Penn State's 14.

Maryland vs. Penn State:

The rivalry between Maryland and Penn State has had its interruptions but was reinstated when Maryland joined the Big Ten in 2014. Despite some close games, Penn State has dominated recent matchups, leading 42–3–1 series.

West Virginia vs. Penn State:

Penn State and West Virginia have a long history, with Penn State leading the series by a significant margin. They've scheduled a home-and-home series for 2023 and 2024 to renew their rivalry.

Syracuse vs. Penn State:

The rivalry between Syracuse and Penn State dates back to 1922 and has seen its share of intense matchups. While the series was suspended for a while, it has been renewed intermittently, with Penn State holding a considerable lead.

Alabama vs. Penn State:

Though not traditional rivals, Alabama and Penn State have met in several bowl games and regular-season matchups. Alabama has had the upper hand recently, leading the series 10–5.

Land Grant Trophy

Penn State competes against Michigan State for the prestigious Land Grant Trophy in their annual rivalry matchup, adding extra significance to their clash on the field.

Penn State Nittany Lions Football Team Record and Stats

National Championships

Conference Championships

Penn State played independently from 1887 to 1890, then joined the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Football Association in 1891, winning the championship. They later joined the Big Ten in 1990 and have won four championships since 1994.

Division Championships

Penn State Nittany Lions Football Team Roster

Current Players:

Dominic DeLuca (LB)

Jaylen Reed (S)

Liam Clifford (WR)

Kevin Winston Jr. (S)

Julian Fleming (WR)

Jalen Kimber (CB)

A.J. Harris (CB)

Omari Evans (WR)

Harrison Wallace III (WR)

Kaden Saunders (WR)

Nicholas Singleton (RB)

Abdul Carter (DE)

Kaytron Allen (RB)

Tyler Johnson (WR)

Drew Allar (QB)

Khalil Dinkins (TE)

Ethan Grunkemeyer (QB)

Josiah Brown (WR)

Mason Robinson (DE)

Xavier Gilliam (DT)

Dani Dennis-Sutton (DE)

Tyrece Mills (LB)

Ty Blanding (DT)

Mason Robinson (DE)

Coziah Izzard (DT)

Gabriel Nwosu (P)

Captains and Leaders:

Jaylen Reed (S)

Liam Clifford (WR)

A.J. Harris (CB)

Nicholas Singleton (RB)

Drew Allar (QB)

Penn State Nittany Lions Football Team Schedule

Here is a schedule announced for the Penn State Nittany Lions Football Team as follows

Aug 31: Away game against West Virginia, time TBD.

Sep 7: Home game against Bowling Green, time TBD.

Sep 21: Home game against Kent State, time TBD.

Sep 28: Home game against Illinois, time TBD.

Oct 5: Home game against UCLA, time TBD.

Oct 12: Away game against USC, time TBD.

Oct 26: Away game against Wisconsin, time TBD.

Nov 2: Home game against Ohio State, time TBD.

Nov 9: Home game against Washington, time TBD.

Nov 16: Away game against Purdue, time TBD.

Nov 23: Away game against Minnesota, time TBD.

Nov 30: Home game against Maryland, time TBD.