You’re staring at your remote, maybe checking the guide for the Big Ten Network or scrolling through ESPN, and you’re wondering: what time is the penn state football game on today? I get it. We’ve all been there, especially when the itch for some Happy Valley action hits hard on a Saturday. But if you’re looking for James Franklin’s squad to take the field this afternoon, January 17, 2026, I have some news that might bum you out a little.
The short version? There is no Penn State football game today.
Basically, the 2025-2026 season has already crossed the finish line. The pads are in storage, Beaver Stadium is quiet, and the coaching staff is likely deep into the recruiting trail or the transfer portal chaos. If you saw a "Penn State" game listed on your TV guide for tonight, you’re almost certainly seeing the Nittany Lions wrestling team or perhaps the men’s hockey squad. In fact, the #1 ranked Penn State wrestling team is the big draw right now, fresh off a massive dual meet against Iowa.
The 2025 Season Recap: How It Ended
To understand why there’s no game today, we have to look at how the winter unfolded. Penn State finished their season on a high note back on December 27, 2025. They headed to the Bronx for the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium and took care of business against the Clemson Tigers, winning 22-10.
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It was a weird season, honestly. They started hot, went through a brutal four-game skid in the middle of Big Ten play—losing heartbreakers to Oregon, UCLA, Northwestern, and Iowa all in a row—but then rallied to win their final four games. That late-season surge saved the year and gave them a 7-6 final record.
While the College Football Playoff is currently heading into the Divisional Round this weekend (with teams like Ohio State and Oregon still in the hunt), Penn State just didn't quite make the cut for the expanded 12-team bracket this time around.
What Time Is The Penn State Football Game On Today? Looking Toward 2026
Since you can't watch them today, your next best bet is to start circling dates for the 2026 season. We don't have the exact kickoff times yet—those usually aren't announced by the networks until May or even a few weeks before the games—but we do know who they are playing.
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The 2026 opener is set for Saturday, September 5, 2026, against Marshall.
Here is what the early 2026 non-conference slate looks like:
- Sept 5: vs. Marshall (Beaver Stadium)
- Sept 12: at Temple (Philadelphia)
- Sept 19: vs. Buffalo (Beaver Stadium)
After that, they dive into a revamped Big Ten schedule. Because the conference is so massive now, the rotation is constantly changing. In 2026, Penn State is scheduled to host Minnesota, Purdue, Rutgers, USC, and Wisconsin. Traveling will be a bit more of a hike, with road games scheduled for Maryland, Michigan, Northwestern, and Washington.
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Why the Confusion Happens
It’s easy to get mixed up. With the new 12-team playoff format, college football is stretching later into January than ever before. If Penn State had finished in the top 10, they’d be playing right now.
Also, Penn State is a "wrestling school" just as much as a football school these days. If you see a primetime slot on Big Ten Network featuring the Blue and White today, it’s likely the Cael Sanderson-led wrestling dynasty. They usually compete on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons throughout January and February.
What to Watch Instead
If you absolutely need a football fix today, the NFL Divisional Playoffs are taking over the airwaves.
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: 4:30 PM ET
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: 8:00 PM ET
While it's not the same as hearing "Zombie Nation" blast through the speakers at a White Out, it’s the best we’ve got until the Blue-White Spring Game in April.
For those specifically looking for what time is the penn state football game on today to plan a tailgate or a watch party, the wait is unfortunately about seven months long. Use this "off-season" to keep an eye on the transfer portal. With the way rosters flip these days, the team that walked off the field in the Pinstripe Bowl will look significantly different by the time Marshall rolls into town in September.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Wrestling Schedule: If you want to support Penn State today, look for the wrestling or hockey schedules on GoPSUSports.
- Mark the Calendar: Save September 5, 2026, as the official return of Penn State football.
- Follow Recruiting: Keep an eye on 247Sports or On3 for updates on the 2026 signing class, as those kids are the future of the program.
- Apparel Sales: January is usually the best time to snag "bowl game" or end-of-season clearance gear at the student book stores.