The Penn State 2024 football schedule mapped out a high-stakes journey for the Nittany Lions, featuring crucial Big Ten Conference battles, tough road trips, and an expanded College Football Playoff format. Head coach James Franklin navigated a 12-game regular season that kicked off on August 31 and tested the roster against both historic rivals and new conference opponents.
Fans tracking the campaign saw a slate featuring seven home games at Beaver Stadium alongside pivotal away tests. Below is the complete breakdown of game dates, opponents, locations, and how the season unfolded for Happy Valley.
Complete 2024 Regular Season Schedule
The Nittany Lions played a balanced schedule that mixed non-conference tune-ups with a grueling stretch of conference play. Here is how every week of the regular season played out:
- August 31: at West Virginia Mountaineers (Morgantown, WV) - Won 34-12
- September 7: vs. Bowling Green Falcons (University Park, PA) - Won 34-27
- September 21: vs. Kent State Golden Flashes (University Park, PA) - Won 56-0
- September 28: vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (University Park, PA) - Won 21-7
- October 5: vs. UCLA Bruins (University Park, PA) - Won 27-11
- October 12: at USC Trojans (Los Angeles, CA) - Won 33-30 (OT)
- October 26: at Wisconsin Badgers (Madison, WI) - Won 28-13
- November 2: vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (University Park, PA) - Lost 20-13
- November 9: vs. Washington Huskies (University Park, PA) - Won 35-6
- November 16: at Purdue Boilermakers (West Lafayette, IN) - Won 49-10
- November 23: at Minnesota Golden Gophers (Minneapolis, MN) - Won 26-25
- November 30: vs. Maryland Terrapins (University Park, PA) - Won 44-7
Key Highlights and Marquee Matchups
Every season features a few circled dates that dictate the trajectory of the program. The 2024 slate delivered drama from opening weekend through the final whistle of November.
Opening Statement in Morgantown
Kicking things off on the road against West Virginia provided an immediate test. Beaver Stadium North energy filled Milan Puskar Stadium as the Nittany Lions controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage, securing a comfortable 34-12 victory to start the year right.
The White Out and Big Ten Tests
The annual White Out game brought prime-time intensity to University Park, while cross-country travel added a new wrinkle. The trip to Los Angeles to face USC delivered one of the most thrilling games of the autumn, ending in a dramatic overtime win. Meanwhile, the heavyweight clash against Ohio State University on November 2 proved to be the toughest hurdle in conference play, as the Buckeyes edged out a tight defensive battle.
Postseason and Playoff Run
Finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record placed Penn State firmly in the upper echelon of college football. That stellar record earned them a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game against Oregon, followed by hosting duties in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. The Nittany Lions hosted SMU in the first round at Beaver Stadium, capping off a historic campaign under the lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Penn State play its home games in 2024?
All home games were hosted at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania, welcoming massive crowds for seven regular-season matchups.
How many games did Penn State win in the 2024 regular season?
The Nittany Lions finished the regular season with an 11-1 record, dropping only one game prior to postseason play.
Did Penn State play any new conference opponents in 2024?
Yes. Due to conference realignment, Penn State faced new Big Ten opponents like UCLA, USC, and Washington.
How did the expanded playoff affect Penn State?
The 12-team playoff format allowed Penn State to host a home playoff game in Happy Valley after securing a high seed.
