So, you’re looking for the Nittany Lions. It’s early 2026, the air in State College is probably freezing, and if you're like most fans, your internal clock is still tuned to the rhythm of Beaver Stadium. But football season has cleared out, the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson is in the rearview mirror, and the focus has shifted indoors. If you’re asking when does Penn State play next, the answer depends entirely on which jersey you’re looking for, because the campus is buzzing with mid-winter conference play.
Let’s get the big one out of the way first.
The Immediate Schedule: Basketball and Hockey Take Center Stage
If you are looking for the main men's basketball squad, you don't have to wait long. Honestly, the Big Ten schedule is a gauntlet this time of year. After a tough road trip to Purdue earlier this month, the Nittany Lions are back in action.
📖 Related: How the Bracket for Baseball Playoffs Actually Works: Why the Bye Week is a Curse in Disguise
- Men’s Basketball: Penn State returns home to the Bryce Jordan Center on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to take on UCLA at 8:30 PM EST. After that, they hit the road again to face Maryland on Sunday, January 18, at high noon.
- Women’s Basketball (Lady Lions): They have a massive home game at Rec Hall against Rutgers on Sunday, January 18, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM EST.
- Men's Hockey: For the puck-heads, the No. 4 ranked Nittany Lions are actually playing right now or very soon. They are in Syracuse facing the Orange on Friday, January 16, at 6:00 PM, with a rematch following on Saturday, January 17, at 3:00 PM.
It’s a lot to keep track of. One day you’re watching a fast break in the BJC, the next you’re checking FloHockey to see if the skaters can keep their win streak against Syracuse alive.
When Does Penn State Play Next in Football?
I know, I know. For a lot of people, "Penn State sports" is synonymous with Saturdays in the fall. If you’re asking about the football team, you’re in the long wait. The 2025 season wrapped up with Matt Campbell now firmly at the helm and a new era beginning after the bowl game in the Bronx.
The next time you’ll see the blue and white hit the turf for a real game isn't until September 5, 2026. They open the season at home against Marshall.
💡 You might also like: Finding a Reddit Formula 1 Stream is Getting Way Harder
I’ve seen some confusion online about the 2026 dates. People are already trying to plan their tailgates for the USC or Wisconsin games. While we know who they are playing—and the home/away split is set—the Big Ten hasn't slapped specific dates on most of the conference games yet. We just know the non-conference starts with Marshall, then a trip to Philly to play Temple on September 12, followed by Buffalo on September 19.
Basically, keep your Saturdays free in September, but don't book your hotel for the Michigan game in Ann Arbor just yet.
Why the 2026 Football Schedule Feels Different
There’s a different vibe heading into this next cycle. With the expanded Big Ten, the travel is getting weird. Penn State has to fly all the way to Seattle to play Washington this year. That’s a long haul. Fans are already buzzing about that road trip because, let’s be real, Husky Stadium on the water is a bucket-list venue.
A Look at the Smaller Stages
Don't sleep on the "Olympic" sports. Penn State is a powerhouse across the board, and January is peak season for several of them.
- Wrestling: This is arguably the most dominant program on campus. If you want to see a win, find a wrestling match. They usually dominate the January/February window.
- Baseball: Believe it or not, the "Boys of Summer" start their prep in February. They open the 2026 season in Arizona on February 13 at the MLB Desert Invitational.
- Track and Field: The Harrisburg squad is heading to Susquehanna on January 17.
Navigating the Winter Slump
It’s easy to get "football withdrawals" once the snow starts piling up in Happy Valley. But the reality of Penn State athletics in 2026 is that the action is constant. If you’re bored on a Tuesday night, there’s a high probability someone in a Penn State uniform is competing somewhere.
To stay updated, you’ve got to keep an eye on the official GoPSUsports site, but also check the individual branch campuses if you’re not in State College. Places like Penn State Beaver or Harrisburg have their own schedules that are often overlooked but offer great local games.
Your Next Steps:
- For the Basketball Fan: Check ticket availability for the January 22nd home game against Wisconsin at the BJC; these conference matchups tend to sell out fast as students return from break.
- For the Football Planner: Mark September 5th on your calendar for the home opener against Marshall, but wait until the Big Ten's summer announcement before booking travel for the Washington or Michigan away games.
- For the Immediate Fix: If you want to see the Lions in action this weekend, the hockey series in Syracuse is your best bet for high-stakes, ranked competition.