Penn State running back Nick Singleton and the Nittany Lions salvaged a bowl bid after a disappointing 2025 season. (Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
As unexpected as it was when Penn State dropped to 3-6 earlier this season, the Nittany Lions punched their ticket to a bowl game Saturday after a third straight win, escaping Rutgers with a victory in the season finale. As of Monday, the Nittany Lions are still waiting on news of who will be the head coach of the team in 2026, but one thing is clear, the Nittany Lions will have one more game with the current team and roster.
Last week, interim head coach Terry Smith called Penn State’s game against Rutgers Saturday “like a playoff game.”
Smith further commented that getting to a bowl game, “means everything to us in the building.”
Now, after the Nittany Lions’ final regular season game, those goals have been accomplished, and Penn State can shift focus to actually playing in the bowl game.
Terry Smith also commented on potential opt-outs for Penn State as the Nittany Lions head into the bowl game.
“I would anticipate our guys are going to play.” Smith told reporters, further commenting that there could be “a one-off or a two-off” opt out for the Nittany Lions on a case-by-case basis for players getting ready for the NFL, but Smith noted that the Nittany Lions will “just work through that.”
With all of that in mind, lets take a look at where and who Penn State could potentially be playing in the thirteenth game of the season. Here are some options that range from highly captivating matchups to potential snooze-fests.
Penn State’s Most Likely Bowl Destinations, Possible Matchups
Pinstripe Bowl, New York City
Penn State vs. Pitt or Clemson
The first option is the most intriguing for Nittany Lions fans.
A matchup between in-state “rival” Pitt in the Bronx for a bowl game would be a highly anticipated matchup for the State of Pennsylvania. This possibility may also intrigue the Pinstripe Bowl enough to set this matchup.
If it isn’t Pitt, another intriguing ACC matchup for Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl would be with former Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen and Clemson, who have also had a disappointing 2025 season.
GameAbove Sports Bowl, Detroit, Michigan (December 26)
PSU vs. Ohio or Central Michigan
This has been the most predicted matchup for the Nittany Lions this bowl season.
A day after Christmas matchup with MAC opponent Ohio or Central Michigan has potential snooze-fest written all over it. The possibility of playing a non-power conference opponent in Detroit the day after Christmas could sway veteran players into opting out of the game, creating potential depth concerns for the Nittany Lions as well.
Music City Bowl, Nashville, Tennessee
Nittany Lions vs. LSU
There are probably a few more teams in the Big Ten that should get the Music City Bowl over Penn State this season.
However, Penn State’s draw and ticket sales have allowed them to punch above their weight in bowl selections in the past, so we can’t rule it out.
If selected for the Music City Bowl, I could see a matchup with LSU in the “we fired our coach midseason” bowl.
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Penn State will wait until next Sunday to find out its bowl destination.
A lot can happen between now and then, especially if Penn State hires a coach for next season. Until then, we wait.
Penn State Coaching Search Hot Board Narrows: Who’s Still in the Running After Major Extensions?
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- Penn State Bowl Game: The Opt-Out Question and 3 Matchups That Could Decide Terry Smith’s Future - December 1, 2025
- Pat Kraft’s Penn State Coaching Search Hits Another Snag as 2 More Candidates Sign Extensions - November 28, 2025
- Penn State’s 6-Game Skid Is a Distant Memory — Terry Smith Talks Bowls, Opt-Outs, and the “Extra Game” Goal - November 26, 2025
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