Honestly, trying to keep track of a major athletic program like Penn State is basically a full-time job. Between the constant conference realignment and the way schedules get flexed for TV, it's easy to lose the thread. If you’re asking who is Penn State playing right now, the answer depends entirely on which season you're tracking.
We are currently in the thick of the winter slate. For the men’s basketball team, things have been a bit rough lately. They just came off a tough 71-60 loss to UCLA at the Bryce Jordan Center on Wednesday, January 14. It was one of those games where the shots just wouldn't fall—the Nittany Lions shot a dismal 18.2% from three-point range. Now, everyone is looking ahead to see if they can snap this 0-6 start in Big Ten play.
The Immediate Basketball Slate: Who is Penn State Playing Next?
The grind doesn't stop. After the UCLA heartbreak, the schedule stays grueling. If you're looking to catch the next hoops action, you've got a little bit of a wait, but the matchups are massive for a team desperate to find some momentum in the conference standings.
Upcoming Men's Basketball Games
- January 18, 2026: Penn State at Maryland Terrapins (11:00 AM CST)
- January 22, 2026: Penn State vs. Wisconsin Badgers (6:00 PM CST)
- January 26, 2026: Penn State at Ohio State Buckeyes (6:00 PM CST)
- January 29, 2026: Penn State at Northwestern Wildcats (7:00 PM CST)
Maryland is always a hostile environment. Going into the XFINITY Center on a Sunday morning is never easy, especially with the Terps usually playing tough at home. Following that, the Wisconsin game on the 22nd is a "Return to Rec" game at Rec Hall—a much smaller, louder venue that usually brings out the best in the Nittany Lion faithful.
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Beyond the Court: Wrestling and Hockey Action
While basketball takes a lot of the spotlight, Penn State is actually a wrestling powerhouse. If you care about "who is Penn State playing" in terms of national dominance, you're looking at Cael Sanderson’s squad.
Wrestling is heading into a big weekend. On Friday, January 16, the Nittany Lions travel to Iowa City to face the Iowa Hawkeyes at 7:00 PM EST. This is basically the Super Bowl of college wrestling. Every time these two programs meet, it’s a sellout and the atmosphere is electric. After the Iowa trip, they return home to face Indiana on January 23 at Rec Hall.
Over at Pegula Ice Arena, the men’s hockey team is hosting Notre Dame on Friday, January 16 at 7:00 PM EST. Hockey games in State College are a vibe—fast-paced, loud, and usually high-scoring. If you haven't been to Pegula, you're missing out on one of the best atmospheres in the Big Ten.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Football Schedule
I know, I know. For most people, the only "who is Penn State playing" that matters is football. Even though we are months away from kickoff, the 2026 schedule is already taking shape. We don't have all the times or the specific dates for the conference games yet, but we know the non-conference slate and who the Big Ten opponents will be.
Non-Conference Matchups
- September 5, 2026: vs. Marshall Thundering Herd
- September 12, 2026: at Temple Owls (Lincoln Financial Field)
- September 19, 2026: vs. Buffalo Bulls
The Marshall game serves as the home opener. It's a classic trap game, as the Herd usually plays bigger schools tough. The following week at Temple is a "home game away from home" in Philadelphia. Expect Lincoln Financial Field to be a sea of blue and white for that one.
2026 Conference Opponents (Dates TBA)
The Big Ten is a behemoth now. The 2026 home schedule is actually pretty attractive for season ticket holders. You've got Minnesota, Purdue, Rutgers, USC, and Wisconsin all coming to Beaver Stadium. Having USC in Happy Valley will be a massive ticket.
On the road, the Nittany Lions have to travel to Maryland, Michigan, Northwestern, and Washington. That trip to Seattle to face the Huskies is going to be a long flight and a tough environment, but it's the new reality of the 18-team Big Ten.
What to Watch For This Month
If you’re a die-hard fan, the next few weeks are critical. The basketball team is struggling with injuries—missing Kayden Mingo and Tibor Mirtič has clearly hurt their depth. Watch the injury reports closely before the Maryland game. If they can get at least one of those guys back, the floor spacing improves immensely.
For wrestling, the Iowa dual is everything. It will likely determine the top ranking in the country. Keep an eye on the 174 and 197 weight classes, as those matches often swing the entire meet.
Actionable Steps for the Penn State Fan
- Check the Big Ten Network (BTN) Plus: Many of the wrestling and smaller sport matches (like gymnastics or fencing) are streamed there rather than on the main cable channel.
- Download the GoPSUSports App: It’s the most reliable way to get live stat updates if you can't watch the games.
- Plan Your Travel Now: If you're thinking about that 2026 trip to Washington or the Temple game in Philly, hotels fill up fast. Philadelphia hotels near South Philly are already seeing spikes for that September weekend.
Whether it’s the hardwood, the mat, or the ice, there is almost always a game happening. Staying on top of who is Penn State playing requires a bit of multitasking, but that’s just life in a town that lives and breathes college sports.