If you’ve spent any time in the Midwest during late October or early November, you know the feeling. The air turns sharp, the leaves are mostly gone, and suddenly, everyone is talking about Columbus or State College. We’re talking about Ohio State vs Penn State. Honestly, for a lot of fans, this is the "real" start of the championship season. It’s that one weekend where the playoff bracket stops being a hypothetical and starts being a reality.
There is a weird tension in this matchup that you don't find in many other places. It’s not the pure, unadulterated hatred of the Michigan game, but it’s more stressful. Why? Because for the last decade, it has basically been a heavyweight boxing match where one guy keeps winning on points, but the other guy keeps landing punches that make you think the upset is coming.
The Numbers That Actually Tell the Story
Look, the record book says Ohio State leads the all-time series 26–14. If you’re a Penn State fan, that probably makes you want to throw your remote at the wall.
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Even more frustrating? The Buckeyes have won nine straight. The most recent blow was a 38–14 drumming in Columbus on November 1, 2025. It felt like a statement. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin looked like a Heisman lock, throwing for 316 yards and four touchdowns. Jeremiah Smith was doing Jeremiah Smith things—specifically, a one-handed touchdown catch that’s going to be on highlight reels until the sun burns out.
But stats can be deceiving.
- Eighteen of the 41 meetings have been decided by a single possession.
- Before the 2025 blowout, the 2024 game was a 20–13 nail-biter in Happy Valley.
- In 2017 and 2018, the Buckeyes escaped by exactly one point each time.
It’s a rivalry defined by "almost." Penn State is consistently one of the ten best teams in the country, but they’ve had the misfortune of running into an Ohio State program that is arguably the most consistent machine in college football history.
What Most People Get Wrong About the History
People tend to think this started when Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993. That's mostly true for the annual "appointment television" aspect, but the roots are way weirder.
Back in 1912, they played in Columbus. Penn State was up 37–0 in the second half when the Ohio State coach, John Richards, literally pulled his team off the field. He claimed the Nittany Lions were playing too "rough" and there was an on-field brawl. The game was recorded as a forfeit. Talk about a dramatic start.
Then you had the 1980 Fiesta Bowl. This was the only time they ever met in the postseason. Penn State took that one 31–19. For a long time, Penn State actually held their own or led the series, but the 2000s and 2010s saw the tide turn toward Columbus.
The James Franklin Glass Ceiling
You can't talk about Ohio State vs Penn State without talking about James Franklin. It’s the elephant in the room. He’s 1–11 against the Buckeyes. That one win, though? The 2016 blocked field goal returned for a touchdown by Grant Haley. It’s probably the loudest Beaver Stadium has ever been.
That 2016 game is the blueprint for how Penn State wins this rivalry: chaos. They don't usually out-talent Ohio State across four quarters. They need a special teams miracle or a defensive stand in a White Out. Without that "X-factor," the Buckeyes' depth usually just wears them down by the middle of the fourth quarter.
The 2025 matchup showed the gap might be widening again. With Penn State missing Drew Allar and Julian Sayin playing at a different level for OSU, the "chaos" factor wasn't enough to overcome the talent gap.
The White Out and the Atmosphere Problem
Is there a better visual in sports than the Penn State White Out? Probably not. It’s terrifying for a visiting team. But even that hasn't been a "Buckeye Killer" lately. Ohio State won there in 2022 and 2024.
The rivalry has evolved into a "measurements" game. For Ohio State, beating Penn State is a box they have to check to get to Michigan and the Big Ten title. For Penn State, it’s the hurdle they must clear to prove they belong in the elite tier of Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State.
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Key Personnel Differences in 2025
The 2025 game was a bit of a reality check for the Nittany Lions. Jim Knowles, the former Ohio State defensive coordinator, was back in Columbus—but this time on the Penn State sideline. It didn't go well. The Buckeyes’ passing attack, led by Sayin, Carnell Tate, and Jeremiah Smith, absolutely torched a defense that was supposed to be the best in the Big Ten.
- Julian Sayin: 20/23 passing. That's 87%. You aren't beating anyone when the QB is that efficient.
- The Freshmen: Jeremiah Smith and Bo Jackson (the RB, not that Bo Jackson) represent a recruiting level that Penn State is still trying to match.
- Defensive Clamps: In that second half of the 2025 game, the Buckeyes allowed just one yard on Penn State’s first 17 plays.
Why the Schedule Change is a Huge Deal
Here is something nobody is happy about: we aren't getting this game in 2026 or 2027.
With the Big Ten expanding and the "protected rivalry" system changing, this annual tradition is going on a hiatus until 2028. It’s a massive loss for the fans. For 33 years, this game was the pulse of the conference. It’s the "Other Border War." Without it, the mid-season schedule feels a little emptier.
Actionable Takeaways for the Future
If you’re a fan or a bettor looking at this matchup as it heads into a break, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Recruiting Rankings: Until Penn State starts landing the same number of 5-star wide receivers as Ohio State, the Buckeyes will likely keep the upper hand.
- The Quarterback Metric: This rivalry is almost always won by the team with the more efficient passer. Don't look at total yards; look at completion percentage and third-down conversions.
- Location Matters Less Than You Think: Ohio State has proven they can win in the noise of a White Out. Don't overvalue home-field advantage here.
- Check the Injury Report: Penn State’s lack of depth at QB was their undoing in 2025. This isn't a game where you can "hide" a backup.
The 38–14 result in 2025 might feel like a door slamming shut on Penn State’s chances for a while. But if history tells us anything, it’s that this series is cyclical. Eventually, the ball bounces the other way, a field goal gets blocked, and the "almost" becomes a "finally." For now, the Buckeyes own the rivalry, and they have the hardware to prove it.