The 2025 Penn State soccer schedule is ready to be launched quickly, and followers are eagerly awaiting the announcement. The Nittany Lions are coming off a profitable 2024 season, during which they completed 11-2 and received the Rose Bowl. Expectations are excessive for the 2025 season, and the schedule will play an enormous function in figuring out whether or not the Nittany Lions can meet these expectations.
Penn State will open the 2025 season at house in opposition to the West Virginia Mountaineers. This would be the first assembly between the 2 colleges since 2016. The Mountaineers are coming off a 6-7 season in 2024, however they’ve a proficient roster and could possibly be a tricky opponent for the Nittany Lions.
After the opener in opposition to West Virginia, Penn State will journey to face the Auburn Tigers. This would be the first assembly between the 2 colleges since 2012. The Tigers are coming off a disappointing 5-7 season in 2024, however they’ve numerous expertise and could possibly be a tricky opponent for the Nittany Lions. Penn State will then have a bye week earlier than internet hosting the Maryland Terrapins. The Terrapins are coming off a 7-6 season in 2024, and so they could possibly be a tricky opponent for the Nittany Lions. Penn State will then journey to face the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are coming off a 12-1 season in 2024, and they’re one of many favorites to win the nationwide championship in 2025. This will likely be a tricky check for the Nittany Lions, however it can even be an amazing alternative for them to show themselves in opposition to the most effective groups within the nation.
Nittany Lions Face Difficult Slate in 2025
Returning House for a Rematch
The Nittany Lions could have an opportunity to avenge final 12 months’s powerful loss to the Maryland Terrapins once they host the Huge Ten East rival at house. Maryland has been a thorn within the facet of Penn State lately, posting a powerful 3-2 file in opposition to the Nittany Lions since 2014. With the Terrapins’ high-powered offense, led by quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, Penn State’s protection will likely be examined as soon as once more.
Waiting for the remainder of the schedule, Penn State will face a frightening process with three street video games in opposition to top-10 opponents: Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The Ohio State matchup holds explicit significance, as it can mark the a hundredth anniversary of the first-ever assembly between the 2 colleges. Penn State may even host two different Huge Ten East opponents, Indiana and Michigan State, at Beaver Stadium.
Along with the convention schedule, Penn State will face 4 non-conference opponents: Ball State, St. Francis, West Virginia, and Pitt. The sport in opposition to Pitt will function the ultimate recreation of the common season and will likely be performed at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 30 | Ball State | Beaver Stadium |
| September 6 | St. Francis | Beaver Stadium |
| September 13 | Maryland | Beaver Stadium |
| September 20 | West Virginia | Beaver Stadium |
| September 27 | at Ohio State | Ohio Stadium |
| October 4 | Indiana | Beaver Stadium |
| October 11 | at Michigan | Michigan Stadium |
| October 18 | BYE | |
| October 25 | at Wisconsin | Camp Randall Stadium |
| November 1 | Michigan State | Beaver Stadium |
| November 8 | BYE | |
| November 15 | Rutgers | SHI Stadium |
| November 22 | at Pitt | Acrisure Stadium |
Key Matchups within the Penn State Soccer Schedule
Highlighting Key Conferences Conflict
Inside the Huge Ten Convention, Penn State has a number of essential video games that can form their season. The annual rivalry recreation in opposition to Ohio State on October twenty fifth at house will likely be a pivotal matchup. The Buckeyes have been a constant contender for the Faculty Soccer Playoff, and the Nittany Lions might want to play their greatest to tug off an upset.
The Michigan recreation on November fifteenth in Ann Arbor may even be a significant check. The Wolverines are coming off a Faculty Soccer Playoff look and can pose a formidable problem for Penn State.
The Nittany Lions may even face powerful street video games in opposition to Wisconsin on October 18th and Purdue on November eighth. Each groups have been aggressive lately and can pose challenges for Penn State on the street.
Early Season Exams
Penn State’s non-conference schedule options some intriguing matchups that might present early season exams. The Nittany Lions open the season at house in opposition to West Virginia on September sixth. The Mountaineers are a conventional rival and can present a strong check for Penn State’s protection.
Penn State may even journey to Auburn on September thirteenth in a battle of two Energy 5 applications. The Tigers are anticipated to be a aggressive staff in 2025, and this recreation will likely be an early alternative for the Nittany Lions to show their price.
The Nittany Lions will then host Ball State on September twentieth of their ultimate non-conference recreation. Ball State is a mid-major program, however they’ve upset main convention groups previously.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | West Virginia | Beaver Stadium |
| September 13 | Auburn | Jordan-Hare Stadium |
| September 20 | Ball State | Beaver Stadium |
Penn State’s House and Away Matchups Revealed
The Nittany Lions will open the 2025 season at house in opposition to Fresno State on Aug. 30. They may then face Military at house on Sept. 6 earlier than hitting the street for a matchup with West Virginia on Sept. 13.
Penn State will return house to face Ball State on Sept. 20 earlier than touring to Michigan on Sept. 27. The Nittany Lions will then host Ohio State on Oct. 4 earlier than dealing with Indiana on the street on Oct. 11.
Penn State could have a bye week on Oct. 18 earlier than dealing with Maryland at house on Oct. 25. The Nittany Lions will then journey to Rutgers on Nov. 1 earlier than internet hosting Michigan State on Nov. 8.
Penn State will face Minnesota on the street on Nov. 15 earlier than internet hosting Purdue on Nov. 22. The Nittany Lions will shut out the common season at Michigan State on Nov. 29.
Here’s a detailed have a look at Penn State’s 2025 schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | Fresno State | Beaver Stadium |
| Sept. 6 | Military | Beaver Stadium |
| Sept. 13 | West Virginia | Milan Puskar Stadium |
| Sept. 20 | Ball State | Beaver Stadium |
| Sept. 27 | Michigan | Michigan Stadium |
| Oct. 4 | Ohio State | Beaver Stadium |
| Oct. 11 | Indiana | Memorial Stadium |
| Oct. 18 | Bye | |
| Oct. 25 | Maryland | Beaver Stadium |
| Nov. 1 | Rutgers | SHU Stadium |
| Nov. 8 | Michigan State | Beaver Stadium |
| Nov. 15 | Minnesota | Huntington Financial institution Stadium |
| Nov. 22 | Purdue | Beaver Stadium |
| Nov. 29 | Michigan State | Spartan Stadium |
Influence of New Convention Partnerships on Schedule
The Penn State Nittany Lions soccer staff will compete within the Huge Ten Convention in 2025, as the varsity is ready to hitch the convention that 12 months. The transfer to the Huge Ten could have a big impression on the Nittany Lions’ schedule, as they are going to now face a brand new set of opponents annually.
New Opponents
With the transfer to the Huge Ten, Penn State will face numerous new opponents regularly. These opponents embody:
| College | Location |
|---|---|
| Illinois | Champaign, IL |
| Indiana | Bloomington, IN |
| Maryland | Faculty Park, MD |
| Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Michigan State | East Lansing, MI |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN |
| Nebraska | Lincoln, NE |
| Northwestern | Evanston, IL |
| Ohio State | Columbus, OH |
| Purdue | West Lafayette, IN |
| Rutgers | Piscataway, NJ |
| Wisconsin | Madison, WI |
Along with these new common season opponents, Penn State may even face a brand new set of opponents within the Huge Ten Championship Sport. The Huge Ten Championship Sport is performed between the winners of the Huge Ten East and West divisions, and Penn State will now be eligible to compete on this recreation.
Scheduling Challenges
The transfer to the Huge Ten may even current some scheduling challenges for Penn State. The Nittany Lions will now need to play 9 convention video games annually, which is able to go away much less room for non-conference video games. Moreover, Penn State will now need to journey to numerous new places, which is able to add to the staff’s journey prices.
Total Influence
The transfer to the Huge Ten could have a big impression on the Penn State soccer schedule. The Nittany Lions will now face a brand new set of opponents annually, and so they must journey to numerous new places. Moreover, Penn State will now be eligible to compete within the Huge Ten Championship Sport. Whereas the transfer to the Huge Ten will current some scheduling challenges, it can additionally give Penn State the chance to compete in opposition to among the greatest groups within the nation.
Energy of Opponent Evaluation for Penn State’s 2025 Season
Total Energy of Schedule
Penn State’s 2025 schedule is a difficult one, with 5 Energy 5 opponents and three Group of 5 groups. The Nittany Lions are ranked twenty sixth in ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index (FPI) for the 2025 season, which places them in the course of the pack amongst Energy 5 groups.
Energy of Non-Convention Opponents
Penn State’s non-conference schedule options video games in opposition to West Virginia, Temple, and UMass. West Virginia is a perennial contender within the Huge 12, and they are going to be a tricky check for the Nittany Lions. Temple is a Group of 5 staff, however they’re a well-coached program that has been aggressive lately. UMass is a rebuilding program, however they are going to be trying to make an announcement in opposition to Penn State.
Energy of Convention Opponents
Penn State’s convention schedule contains video games in opposition to Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana, Purdue, Wisconsin, and Maryland. Ohio State is the perennial favourite within the Huge Ten, and they are going to be a significant problem for Penn State. Michigan and Michigan State are each rising powers within the Huge Ten, and they are going to be powerful opponents for the Nittany Lions. Indiana, Purdue, and Wisconsin are all strong groups, and they are going to be trying to upset Penn State. Maryland is a rebuilding program, however they’ve some proficient gamers, and they are going to be trying to make an announcement in opposition to Penn State.
Key Matchups
Penn State’s most difficult video games in 2025 will likely be in opposition to Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State. These are all top-25 groups, and they are going to be powerful exams for the Nittany Lions. Penn State might want to play their greatest to win these video games.
Projected Win-Loss Document
Based mostly on the energy of their schedule, Penn State is projected to complete the 2025 season with a file of 9-3. This might be a strong season for the Nittany Lions, however they might want to play nicely to realize this file.
| Opponent | Document |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | 6-6 |
| Temple | 4-8 |
| UMass | 2-10 |
| Ohio State | 11-1 |
| Michigan | 10-2 |
| Michigan State | 9-3 |
| Indiana | 7-5 |
| Purdue | 8-4 |
| Wisconsin | 9-3 |
| Maryland | 6-6 |
Penn State’s Non-Convention Exams in 2025
Georgia State
The Nittany Lions will open the 2025 season at house in opposition to Georgia State. The Panthers are coming off a 6-6 season in 2022 and will likely be trying to make an announcement in opposition to a Energy 5 opponent.
Villanova
Penn State will then journey to Villanova to tackle the Wildcats. Villanova is a member of the FCS and is coming off a 10-3 season in 2022. The Wildcats will likely be trying to pull off a significant upset in opposition to the Nittany Lions.
East Carolina
The Nittany Lions will return house to face East Carolina of their third non-conference recreation of the season. The Pirates are coming off a 7-5 season in 2022 and will likely be trying to make an announcement in opposition to a Energy 5 opponent.
Pittsburgh
Penn State will journey to Pittsburgh to tackle the Panthers of their fourth non-conference recreation of the season. The Panthers are coming off a 9-4 season in 2022 and will likely be trying to make an announcement in opposition to their in-state rival.
Non-Convention Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 29 | Georgia State | Beaver Stadium |
| September 6 | Villanova | Villanova Stadium |
| September 13 | East Carolina | Beaver Stadium |
| September 20 | Pittsburgh | Heinz Discipline |
Cincinnati
Within the sixth recreation of their 2025 season, the Nittany Lions will host the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Bearcats are coming off a 9-4 season in 2022 and will likely be trying to make an announcement in opposition to a Energy 5 opponent. Penn State and Cincinnati haven’t met since 2010, when the Nittany Lions received 31-26. The sport will likely be a rematch of the 2022 Fenway Bowl, which Cincinnati received 24-13.
The Bearcats are led by head coach Luke Fickell, who’s coming into his seventh season on the helm. Fickell has led Cincinnati to 3 consecutive 10-win seasons and has the Bearcats ranked within the prime 25 for many of his tenure. Cincinnati is thought for its bodily and aggressive type of play, and they are going to be a tricky check for the Nittany Lions.
Penn State will have to be at their greatest to beat Cincinnati. The Nittany Lions might want to management the road of scrimmage and power the Bearcats into making errors. Penn State may even must benefit from its alternatives within the purple zone, as Cincinnati has a robust protection that can make it tough to attain factors.
High Performers to Watch in 2025
Sean Clifford (QB)
The veteran quarterback enters his fifth season as a starter for the Nittany Lions.
Nick Singleton (RB)
The five-star operating again from Governor Mifflin Excessive College is poised to have a breakout season.
Kaytron Allen (RB)
The speedy again from IMG Academy will present a dynamic complement to Singleton.
Drew Allar (QB)
The proficient freshman will likely be trying to earn enjoying time behind Clifford.
Parker Washington (WR)
The electrical vast receiver is without doubt one of the greatest pass-catchers within the nation.
Olu Fashanu (DT)
The huge defensive sort out will likely be a power in the course of the Penn State protection.
Dani Dennis-Sutton (DE)
The speedy edge rusher is coming off a breakout season and must be even higher in 2025.
Penn State Soccer’s Playoff Hopes in 2025
With a proficient roster and a positive schedule, Penn State has a practical likelihood of constructing the Faculty Soccer Playoff in 2025.
10. Indiana (House)
The Hoosiers have been a perennial bottom-feeder within the Huge Ten, however they’re slowly bettering underneath head coach Tom Allen. Penn State ought to nonetheless be favored on this matchup, but it surely’s a lure recreation that the Nittany Lions cannot afford to miss.
This is a more in-depth have a look at Penn State’s 2025 soccer schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 30 | West Virginia | Beaver Stadium |
| September 6 | at Syracuse | Service Dome |
| September 13 | Kent State | Beaver Stadium |
| September 20 | at Purdue | Ross-Ade Stadium |
| September 27 | Ohio State | Beaver Stadium |
| October 4 | at Michigan State | Spartan Stadium |
| October 11 | Indiana | Beaver Stadium |
| October 18 | at Minnesota | Huntington Financial institution Stadium |
| October 25 | Maryland | Beaver Stadium |
| November 1 | Michigan | Beaver Stadium |
| November 8 | at Wisconsin | Camp Randall Stadium |
| November 15 | Rutgers | Beaver Stadium |
