With the Blue-White practice coming up, it’s time to start looking forward to the 2026 college football season. Penn State’s upcoming schedule is loaded with exciting games. Here’s Onward State’s ranking of how they stack up against each other.

No. 12: Penn State @ Maryland – Saturday, November 28.

An away game for the last game of the season? No, thank you. Even if fans make the trek down to College Park, it’s probably going to be freezing.

No. 11: Penn State vs. Buffalo – Saturday, September 19.

The last of three non-conference games before the real season starts. The Nittany Lions should roll past Buffalo with little trouble.

No. 10: Penn State vs. Purdue – Saturday, October 31.

The Boilermakers haven’t been very good, and that’s not projected to change this year. A mid-season, easy win for the Nittany Lions. It is on Halloween, though, maybe an opportunity for some cool theming?

No. 9: Penn State @ Northwestern – Friday, October 2.

This game is on a Friday, not sure how I feel about that. But it is a rematch with the team that ended James Franklin’s tenure as a Nittany Lion. Let’s destroy them (and pray they don’t start a winning streak).

No. 8: Penn State vs. Rutgers – Saturday, November 21.

The only redeeming factor of this game is the fact that it’s a Big Ten matchup at Beaver Stadium. November football gets cold, folks. And remember, Rutgers’ beef with us is one-sided; we aren’t worried about them.

No. 7: Penn State @ Temple – Saturday, September 12. (Lincoln Financial Field)

Will this game be close? Probably not. Will it be cool to see Penn State play at the Linc? Absolutely.

No. 6: Penn State vs. Minnesota – Saturday, November 14.

A conference game against a decent opponent at Beaver Stadium? What’s not to love?

No. 5: Penn State vs. Wisconsin – Saturday, September 26.

We kick off the top five with the first Big Ten game of the season. The real season starts with this game right here.

No. 4: Penn State vs. Marshall – Saturday, September 5.

The first game of the year is slightly more exciting to me than the first Big Ten game. This will be our first look at the rebuilt squad under Matt Campbell. Here’s hoping they start with a bang.

No. 3: Penn State @ Washington – Saturday, November 7.

The top three are projected to be the most competitive games of the season. Washington doesn’t often lose at home, but the Nittany Lions have what it takes to pull it off. The real excitement around this game will depend on how Penn State does leading up to it and what they have to play for come November.

No. 2: Penn State @ Michigan – Saturday, October 17.

Michigan is in contention for the best opponent Penn State will face all season. The Big House is no Beaver Stadium, but this is a matchup that everyone will be anticipating.

No. 1: Penn State vs. USC – Saturday, October 10.

While nothing is announced yet, this game is the most likely pick for the 2026 White Out. That means we’ll see the best fans and student section in the country on their best night. Get ready, folks, it’s a new era for Penn State football.