You’re staring at your phone, refreshing the score, and wondering if your service is just glitchy. Honestly, it’s not you. If you are looking for who won Penn State football game today, the short answer is: nobody.
The Nittany Lions didn't play a football game today, January 16, 2026.
Why? Because the college football season essentially wrapped up for Penn State a few weeks ago at the Pinstripe Bowl. While the national championship was the big talk of early January, Penn State’s focus has already shifted to the grueling reality of the off-season. It’s that weird, quiet period where the pads are off, but the drama is at an all-time high.
Where Is the Penn State Football Score Today?
There isn’t one. Today is a Friday in mid-January. In the world of Big Ten football, this time of year is reserved for recruiting visits, weight room sessions that would make a normal human collapse, and, most importantly, the transfer portal frenzy.
If you saw a Penn State score flash on your TV, you were likely looking at the men's ice hockey team. They are currently in the middle of a massive series against Notre Dame at Pegula Ice Arena. It’s easy to get confused when you see the Blue and White on the screen, but the grass at Beaver Stadium is currently dormant under the Pennsylvania winter.
The football team actually finished their 2025-2026 campaign back on December 27, 2025. They took down Clemson 22-10 in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. That win brought their final record to 8-6, a chaotic season that saw a late-year surge after a rough middle stretch.
The Matt Campbell Era Officially Begins
The real "win" for Penn State today isn't happening on a scoreboard; it’s happening in the offices of the Lasch Building.
We are officially in the Matt Campbell era. Following the departure of James Franklin, Campbell has been tasked with a complete culture overhaul. While there's no game today, the news cycle is moving fast.
- Roster Overhaul: Over 40 players have entered the portal. That sounds like a lot because it is a lot.
- New Additions: Campbell and his staff have already countered by bringing in 30-plus newcomers.
- Recruiting: Just yesterday, the team landed a commitment from wide receiver Henry Lustig as a preferred walk-on.
It’s a transitional phase. You've got veterans like offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh and tight end Andrew Rappleyea deciding to stay, which provides a much-needed backbone for a roster that looks very different than it did three months ago. Honestly, January is when the 2026 season is won or lost.
Why the Pinstripe Bowl Win Still Matters
Some fans might shrug off a 22-10 win in the Pinstripe Bowl, but that game gave us a glimpse of the future. Quinton Martin Jr. was a revelation. He didn't even record a carry in the regular season, then suddenly exploded for 101 yards on 20 carries against Clemson.
That performance is the reason there's so much hype right now, even without a game today. When you see a freshman step up like that under the lights of Yankee Stadium, it makes the long, cold wait for the September 5 opener against Marshall feel a little more bearable.
What to Watch Instead of Football
Since you can't find a football score, you should probably look at what else is happening in Happy Valley.
The No. 8 Penn State hockey team is the main event right now. They’ve been dominant at home, especially when they take a lead into the third period. If you’re craving that Penn State atmosphere, the "Hockey Valley" crowd at Pegula is about as close as you’ll get to a white-out in January.
Also, the women’s gymnastics team is making moves. They recently put up a record-breaking 196.225 in their opener against Yale. They are actually competing today, January 16, on the road against Illinois.
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Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
If you're already planning your tailgates, here is what the early 2026 schedule looks like:
- September 5: vs. Marshall (Beaver Stadium)
- September 12: at Temple (Lincoln Financial Field)
- September 19: vs. Buffalo (Beaver Stadium)
Basically, the Nittany Lions are taking a breather from the Power 5 gauntlet to start the year, which is probably smart given how many new faces will be in the locker room.
The absence of a game today doesn't mean the program is stagnant. Far from it. Between the D'Anton Lynn defensive hires and the relentless pursuit of portal talent, the "off-season" is a bit of a misnomer. It’s more of a sprint without the pads.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the transfer portal trackers. The next "win" for Penn State will likely come in the form of a four-star defensive tackle or a veteran quarterback looking for a fresh start in the Big Ten.
Check the Big Ten Network later tonight for replays of the 2025 season if you're feeling nostalgic, but don't expect any live football until the Blue-White game this spring.