So, you’re checking the guide, flipping through the Big Ten Network, and wondering: is penn state football on tv today?
Honestly, no. If you’re looking for a live game on this Thursday, January 15, 2026, you won't find one. The Nittany Lions wrapped up their 2025 campaign a few weeks ago in the Bronx. Specifically, they capped off the year with a 22-10 victory over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl back on December 27. It wasn't the College Football Playoff run fans in State College were dreaming of after that hot start, but beating a program like Clemson at Yankee Stadium is a hell of a way to head into the winter.
Right now, the team is in that weird limbo phase. The pads are off. The transfer portal is humming. National Signing Day is the real "game" being played in the shadows.
When is the next Penn State game actually happening?
You've got a bit of a wait.
The 2026 season opener is currently set for Saturday, September 5, 2026, when Penn State welcomes Marshall to Beaver Stadium. It’s a classic early-season non-conference tune-up, the kind where the tailgating starts at 6:00 AM and the ice cream at the Creamery has a line stretching toward downtown.
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While today’s TV schedule is empty of live action, the Big Ten Network usually runs "Penn State Football Classics" or season retrospectives this time of year. You might catch a re-air of the Rutgers comeback or the defensive masterclass they put on against Nebraska late last season.
Breaking down the 2026 Schedule
We don't have all the kickoff times or specific channels yet—those usually drop in late May or throughout the summer as the networks (FOX, NBC, CBS) play their game of high-stakes chess. But we do know who they’re playing. It’s a gauntlet.
- Sept 5: Marshall (Home)
- Sept 12: at Temple (Philadelphia)
- Sept 19: Buffalo (Home)
After that, the Big Ten slate kicks in with some massive home games against USC, Wisconsin, and Purdue. They also have to travel to Ann Arbor and Seattle (to play Washington). If you’re planning a road trip, that Washington game is the one everyone has circled. It’s a long flight, but seeing the Nittany Lions play in the Pacific Northwest is a rare treat.
Why people are still talking about Penn State today
Even without a game, the program is making news. Coach Matt Campbell—who took over after the James Franklin era ended—is busy retooling the staff. Just a couple of days ago, the program announced Savon Huggins as the new running backs coach.
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This matters because the "TV version" of Penn State football is built in these quiet January weeks. The recruiting trail is hot. The coaching changes are happening. If you’re a die-hard, you aren't looking for a game today; you’re looking at who’s coming out of the portal to help that offensive line.
The 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster. Finishing 8-5 (after some tough one-score losses to Oregon, Iowa, and Indiana) wasn't perfect, but that bowl win over Clemson showed some serious grit. It felt like a foundation.
How to watch Penn State when the season returns
When September finally rolls around, the landscape of "where is the game" will be the same multi-layered mess we've grown used to. Basically, you'll need a combination of:
- Big Ten Network: For the non-conference games like Marshall or Buffalo.
- FOX/FS1: For the "Big Noon Kickoff" slots.
- NBC/Peacock: For those primetime "White Out" vibes.
- CBS/Paramount+: For the mid-afternoon marquee matchups.
The 2026 Outlook: What to expect
Expect a lot of hype around the defense. The unit that held Clemson to just 10 points in the Pinstripe Bowl is returning several key starters. On the flip side, the offense is still a bit of a question mark. Will they find that consistent deep threat? That's what will determine if Penn State is playing for a Big Ten title in December 2026 or heading back to a mid-tier bowl.
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If you’re really missing the action today, your best bet is to head over to the official Penn State Athletics YouTube channel or check out "LionVision." They’ve been dropping behind-the-scenes footage and highlights from the bowl game victory that are actually pretty great.
So, while is penn state football on tv today results in a "no" for a live game, the "Coaches Show" often re-airs on Thursdays at 3:00 PM on local affiliates or the Big Ten Network. It’s mostly talk, but if you need your fix of Blue and White, it’s better than nothing.
Your next move? Mark September 5 on your calendar. If you're planning on going to the Temple game in Philly on the 12th, start looking at tickets now. They're already popping up on secondary markets for over $250. It’s going to be a massive crowd at Lincoln Financial Field.
Stay tuned for the official Spring Game announcement, which usually happens in April. That’ll be your first real look at the 2026 squad on TV.