The air in State College hits differently during a White Out. It’s a sensory overload—110,000 screaming fans clad in monochromatic armor, a literal wall of noise that usually swallows opponents whole. But for some reason, when the bus from Columbus rolls into town, that magic seems to hit a glass ceiling.
Penn State vs Ohio State isn’t just a game on the schedule. For the Nittany Lions, it’s been the psychological barrier between "great" and "elite" for over a decade. Honestly, it’s become one of the most agonizing relationships in college football.
The One-Sided "Rivalry" That Still Feels Like a Toss-Up
If you look at the raw numbers, Ohio State has turned this into a bit of a monologue. The Buckeyes have won nine straight meetings dating back to 2017. Nine. In a sport where parity is supposed to be the goal, that’s a staggering stretch of dominance.
Yet, every single year, we talk ourselves into it. We look at the rosters, the recruiting rankings, and the "vibes," and we convince ourselves this is the year James Franklin finally cracks the code.
Why do we do that? Because the games are almost always closer than the final score suggests. Since 2016, a huge chunk of these matchups have been decided by a single possession or came down to a disastrous fourth-quarter collapse by Penn State. It’s the "almost" that kills you.
A History of "Almost"
Take 2017. Penn State had Saquon Barkley and a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter at the Horseshoe. They looked like the best team in the country. Then, J.T. Barrett turned into a literal superhero, completing 13 straight passes to steal a 39-38 win.
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Or 2018. A 26-14 Penn State lead evaporated in the final minutes. The image of James Franklin’s frantic "4th and 5" call—a predictable handoff that got stuffed—is burned into the retinas of every Penn State fan.
Then there’s the most recent heartbreak. In 2024, No. 3 Penn State hosted No. 4 Ohio State at Beaver Stadium. It was supposed to be the turning point. Instead, the Nittany Lions got a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter, failed to punch it in from the 1-yard line on four straight plays, and watched the Buckeyes run out the clock for a 20-13 win.
The James Franklin vs Ryan Day Chess Match
Let’s be real about the coaching. James Franklin is a phenomenal recruiter and a program builder. He’s won over 100 games at Penn State. But his record against top-five teams—and specifically against the Buckeyes—is the weight around his neck.
By the end of the 2025 season, which saw Penn State stumble to a 6-6 finish and Franklin ultimately depart for Virginia Tech, the narrative was set. He finished his Penn State tenure with a dismal 4-17 combined record against Ohio State and Michigan.
On the other side, Ryan Day has had his own "big game" critics, mostly centered around his struggles against Michigan. But against Penn State? Day has been a surgeon. He’s 7-0 against the Nittany Lions. Even when the Buckeyes aren't playing their "A" game, they find a way to let Penn State beat themselves.
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Why the Gap Exists
It usually comes down to three things:
- Quarterback Play: Ohio State consistently puts Heisman finalists under center. From Justin Fields to C.J. Stroud to Will Howard, they have guys who make the "NFL throw" when the pocket collapses.
- The Trenches: In the 2024 game, Ohio State’s offensive line was patchwork due to injuries, yet they still bullied Penn State’s front four when it mattered most.
- Psychology: There is a palpable "here we go again" energy that settles over Beaver Stadium the moment something goes wrong against OSU.
What Happened in 2025?
The 2025 matchup in Columbus was a different beast. Unlike the 2024 nail-biter, this one wasn't particularly close. Ohio State, ranked No. 1 at the time, dismantled Penn State 38-14.
It was a cold, clinical performance. The Buckeyes didn't need a miracle comeback this time. They simply out-talented a Penn State team that seemed to be losing its identity. That loss was essentially the beginning of the end for the Franklin era in Happy Valley.
For the first time in years, the "Penn State vs Ohio State" game didn't feel like a clash of titans. It felt like a program at its peak versus a program hitting a wall.
Looking Ahead: The Big Ten’s New World
Here is the kicker: we aren't going to see Penn State vs Ohio State for a while.
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With the Big Ten expanding to 18 teams and ditching the divisions, the "protected" status of this game vanished. The conference schedule makers decided not to protect this rivalry.
Unless they meet in a Big Ten Championship or a newly expanded 12-team playoff, these two powerhouses aren't scheduled to play again until 2028. 2026 will mark the first year since 1992 that the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes don't square off.
Honestly, Penn State fans might need the break.
The Takeaway for Fans
If you're betting on this matchup in the future, the "eye test" matters more than the hype. Ohio State has a depth of elite talent that allows them to survive mistakes. Penn State, historically, has to play a "perfect" game to win.
- Watch the Red Zone: In the last three matchups, Penn State’s inability to score touchdowns (settling for field goals) was the statistical difference.
- Recruiting Matters: Until Penn State starts winning the head-to-head battles for five-star wide receivers and offensive tackles, the on-field result is likely to stay the same.
- The Schedule Shift: Use the 2026 and 2027 seasons to see how Penn State recalibrates under new leadership. Without the "Buckeye Shadow" looming every October, they have a chance to rebuild their confidence.
The 2024 goal-line stand and the 2025 blowout are now part of the history books. As the rivalry goes on ice for a couple of years, the question remains: will Penn State be ready to kick the door down when the Buckeyes finally return to the schedule?
The Insight for 2026:
Focus on how Penn State handles their 2026 schedule featuring USC and Washington. Without Ohio State as a measuring stick, the Nittany Lions have to find a new way to define "elite" success. Keep an eye on the transfer portal—how the new coaching staff addresses the depth gap will tell you everything you need to know about the 2028 rematch.