Penn State enters 2025 with championship expectations after last season’s 13-3 record and College Football Playoff semifinal run. But one analyst warns that a familiar scheduling pattern could derail their title hopes.
Post-Ohio State Struggles Raise Concerns for 2025 Penn State’s Schedule
James Franklin’s Penn State squad dominated in 2024, going 8-1 in conference play, staying perfect on the road, and setting a program record with 13 wins. That momentum has Penn State potentially heading toward its highest preseason ranking since 1999.
However, the schedule presents a familiar challenge that has plagued the Nittany Lions in recent years.
Zach Seyko, host of the “Locked On Nittany Lions” podcast, highlighted a concerning trend about Penn State’s performance following Ohio State games. “An intriguing part of this matchup is that Penn State will be returning from Columbus,” Seyko noted.
The Nittany Lions travel to Iowa on Saturday, October 18, before heading to Columbus for their November 1 showdown with the Buckeyes. According to Seyko, “That game very well might define just how great or how good their season is. As we’ve seen before, Penn State does not respond very well after they lose to the Ohio State Buckeyes.”
The numbers back up Seyko’s observation. In 2023, Penn State traveled to Columbus and held the Buckeyes to 16 points below their season average, yet still fell 20-12.
The following year brought more heartbreak at home, where 111,030 fans watched Penn State squander a 10-0 lead before losing 20-13 to Ohio State. That defeat sparked a late-season slide that ultimately kept the Nittany Lions from a national title shot.
The 2025 schedule compounds the challenge. After facing Ohio State on the road on November 1, Penn State must immediately host Indiana on November 8.
“They’re going to have to go in, they’re going to have to play a pretty competent team after facing the team that’s been a thorn in their side for the better part of a decade,” Seyko warned. “That doesn’t line up very well for them.”
While Penn State has faced this scheduling sequence before, the circumstances have changed dramatically. In 2023, the Nittany Lions defeated Indiana 33-24 following their loss to Ohio State, but that victory came against a struggling program.
RELATED: James Franklin’s Penn State Hype Hits New Levels After Colin Cowherd’s Championship Prediction
The Hoosiers finished that season 3-9, leading to Tom Allen’s dismissal. Everything changed when Curt Cignetti took over in 2024. Under his leadership, Indiana transformed into an 11-2 team with an 8-1 conference record. This upgraded version of the Hoosiers awaits Penn State in 2025.
Seyko’s concern extends beyond Indiana’s improvement. The real issue involves the emotional and mental toll of losing to Ohio State, a pattern that has repeatedly affected Penn State’s subsequent performances. The Nittany Lions have struggled to quickly recover from these defeats, and this season offers little recovery time.
Still, Penn State enters 2025 with significant advantages. Quarterback Drew Allar returns after a strong season, and the running game remains potent. The defense received a major boost when Franklin hired Jim Knowles away from Ohio State as defensive coordinator. Star safety Zakee Wheatley also returns to anchor the secondary.
These pieces suggest Penn State has the talent to break the pattern. Whether they can overcome the post-Buckeye blues and maintain their momentum through November could determine if this season finally delivers the championship that has eluded Franklin’s program.
