Wait. Which "Penn" are we even talking about?
When you hear Penn vs Notre Dame, your brain probably jumps to one of two places. You're either thinking about the high-stakes, blue-blood collision between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, or you're an Ivy League purist looking at the historical (and surprisingly lopsided) matchups between the University of Pennsylvania Quakers and South Bend.
Most people get this mixed up. Honestly, it’s understandable. But the reality of these matchups—especially after what happened in the 2025 College Football Playoff—is way more intense than just a name confusion.
The 2025 Orange Bowl: The Night Everything Changed
Let's talk about the game that’s still fresh in everyone's mind. On January 9, 2025, the Penn State vs Notre Dame rivalry didn't just resume; it exploded. This wasn't some mid-season non-conference filler. This was a CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl. Hard Rock Stadium was a pressure cooker.
Penn State came in as the No. 6 seed, looking like they were finally going to break through the glass ceiling. They jumped out to a 10-0 lead. It felt like the Nittany Lions were dominant. But Notre Dame, the No. 7 seed, didn't blink.
Riley Leonard and that Irish offense went on a 17-0 run.
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Then, the drama peaked. Nicholas Singleton—who had an absolute monster game with three rushing touchdowns—powered Penn State back to a 24-17 lead with less than eight minutes left. You could feel the "White Out" energy traveling all the way from State College to Miami. But the Irish had one last miracle in them.
Jaden Greathouse caught a 56-yard prayer to tie it. Then, with seven seconds on the clock, Mitch Jeter nailed a 41-yard field goal. Final: Notre Dame 27, Penn State 24. The Irish went to the title game; the Nittany Lions went home wondering "what if." That game officially tied their all-time football series at 10-10-1 (if we're counting the most recent 2025 update). It is arguably the most balanced "big game" rivalry in the modern era.
The Academic "Rivalry" and the Ivy League Angle
Now, if you're looking at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), the story is totally different.
Penn and Notre Dame don't play football much these days. Why would they? One is a powerhouse in the FBS, the other is an Ivy League staple. But they have a history. Back in the early 20th century, these schools actually met on the gridiron. Between 1930 and 1955, they played six times.
It wasn't pretty for the Quakers.
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Notre Dame won five of those six games, with a lone 7-7 tie in 1952. Since then, the "Penn vs Notre Dame" debate has mostly moved to LinkedIn and Reddit forums where high school seniors argue about which degree gets you a better job at Goldman Sachs.
By the Numbers: Penn vs Notre Dame (University of Pennsylvania)
- Football Record: Notre Dame leads 5-0-1.
- Women's Basketball: Notre Dame has dominated this, winning all five matchups between 1981 and 2018.
- Men's Lacrosse: This is where things get interesting. Penn actually beat the Irish 10-7 in their first matchup back in 2000. However, the Irish have won most of the recent meetings, including a 10-8 win in April 2025.
You’ve got to realize that these are two different worlds. Penn (the Ivy) is about that small-school, "Cradle of Liberty" vibe. Notre Dame is... well, it’s a religion.
Why the Penn State Connection is the "Real" Rivalry
If you're searching for this, you're likely looking for the Penn State connection. These two schools were the premier "independents" of the East for decades. Before Penn State joined the Big Ten in the early 90s, this game was an annual tradition.
Remember the "Snow Bowl" in 1992?
It was freezing. Sleet was coming down in South Bend. Penn State was ranked No. 22, Notre Dame was No. 8. The Irish won 17-16 after Rick Mirer hit Jerome Bettis for a late TD and then converted a gutsy two-point conversion.
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That game essentially ended the annual series. It took 14 years for them to play again. When they finally did in 2007, it was the birth of the "Full Stadium White Out" at Beaver Stadium. Penn State smoked them 31-10 that night.
What’s Next for Penn and Notre Dame?
Right now, the focus has shifted to the ice. On January 16 and 17, 2026, the Penn State and Notre Dame hockey teams are facing off at Pegula Ice Arena.
College hockey is where this rivalry is currently the most "active." Unlike football, where they might go a decade without seeing each other, these guys hit the ice every year in the Big Ten.
But for most fans, the question is always: When do we get the football rematch?
The 2025 CFP game showed that the world wants this matchup. It’s a ratings goldmine. There’s no official regular-season game scheduled yet, but with the expanded 12-team playoff, don't be surprised if "Penn vs Notre Dame" becomes a January staple.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Hockey Results: If you're following the current season (2025-2026), keep an eye on the Big Ten standings. The January series in State College is a major factor in tournament seeding.
- Don't Confuse the "Penns": When booking tickets or looking up stats, always specify "State" or "University of." It’s a rookie mistake that will get you laughed at in any sports bar in Philly or South Bend.
- Watch the Transfers: With the portal being what it is, players are moving between these schools more than ever. The "rivalry" is becoming personal for a lot of guys in the locker room.
- Plan for the Playoff: Notre Dame’s independent status means they’re almost always a factor in the CFP. Penn State’s path through the Big Ten is harder, but if they both make the bracket, the committee loves pairing them up for the "historic" narrative.
If you’re tracking the all-time series between Penn State and Notre Dame, the record is currently sitting at 10 wins for Notre Dame, 10 wins for Penn State, and 1 tie. It literally couldn't be closer.