You’ve probably been scouring the guide for the Nittany Lions. You’ve checked the usual suspects—Big Ten Network, FOX, maybe even Peacock—and come up empty. It’s frustrating.
Honestly, there is a very simple, albeit disappointing, reason you can't find the game. If you're asking what channel is the penn state football game on today, the answer is: no channel, because they aren't playing.
Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026. The college football season is essentially over for Penn State. While the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship between Indiana and Miami is scheduled for tomorrow, January 19, the Nittany Lions wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign weeks ago.
The Confusion with the Other Nittany Lions
It’s easy to get wires crossed. If you see "Penn State" on your TV guide today, you’re almost certainly looking at the Penn State Men’s Basketball team.
They are actually playing a big game right now—or just finished it—against Maryland. That game tipped off at 12:00 p.m. ET today at the XFINITY Center. If you were looking for that specific matchup, it aired on the Big Ten Network (BTN).
Football season hits different. We get used to that Saturday rhythm, and then suddenly, the calendar turns to January and the Saturdays feel empty.
Why there's no Penn State football today
College football follows a strict schedule. Once the regular season and conference championships end in early December, only bowl games remain.
Penn State finished their season on December 27, 2025. They played in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium, where they took down Clemson with a 22-10 victory. That was the finale. Since then, the pads have been packed away.
Usually, by mid-January, the only teams left standing are the two playing for the National Title. This year, that’s Indiana and Miami.
When does Penn State football start again?
Waiting is the hardest part. If you're already looking forward to 2026, the schedule is mostly set, though exact times and channels won't be announced until much later this spring.
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The Nittany Lions will kick off the 2026 season on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
They’ll be facing Marshall at Beaver Stadium. It’s going to be a massive home opener. After that, they head to Philadelphia to play Temple on September 12.
Predicted TV Channels for 2026
Since the Big Ten has massive deals with multiple networks, Penn State games are spread across a few different places. Here is where you will likely find them once the fall rolls around:
- FOX / FS1: Expect the "Big Noon Kickoff" to feature at least one or two Penn State games.
- NBC / Peacock: The primetime "Big Ten Saturday Night" slot is a favorite for Penn State home games under the lights.
- CBS / Paramount+: The 3:30 p.m. ET window often features top-tier Big Ten matchups.
- Big Ten Network: This is the home for games against non-conference opponents like Marshall or Buffalo.
Watching the National Championship Instead
If you’re just looking for a football fix today, you'll have to wait about 24 hours. The National Championship is the only game left on the collegiate calendar.
That game airs Monday, January 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
It’s weird seeing Indiana in the title game, right? They’ve had a historic 15-0 run under Curt Cignetti. Meanwhile, Miami has clawed their way back to relevance. It’s a matchup that would have seemed impossible three years ago.
Keeping Up with the Nittany Lions in the Offseason
Just because there isn't a game on doesn't mean nothing is happening in State College. The "second season" is in full swing.
The Transfer Portal is active. Recruiting for the 2027 class is heating up. Plus, the NFL playoffs are currently happening, and plenty of former Penn State stars are usually active this time of year. If you want to see Nittany Lions on the field today, your best bet is checking the NFL divisional round schedule.
Basically, the 2025 season is in the books. The Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson gave the team some much-needed momentum heading into the winter.
Now, we wait for the Blue-White Game in April. That’s the first time you’ll see the team back on a "channel"—usually BTN—for their annual spring scrimmage.
Actionable Next Steps
Since there is no game to watch today, here is how you can stay prepared for the 2026 season:
- Sync your calendar: Mark September 5, 2026, as the return of Penn State football.
- Check the NFL schedule: Look for former PSU standouts like Micah Parsons or Saquon Barkley in the NFL playoffs today.
- Watch the Title Game: Tune into ESPN tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. ET to see the Big Ten's own Indiana Hoosiers try to finish a perfect season.
- Follow the portal: Keep an eye on the Penn State athletics site (GoPSUSports) for news on incoming transfers who will be the stars of the 2026 roster.