Predicting each game of the 2025 Penn State football season

Penn State football enters the 2025 season ranked No. 2, led by a top-five quarterback in Drew Allar, a dominant defense featuring Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant, and a reloaded wide receiver corps. With national title aspirations and sky-high expectations in Happy Valley, here’s a detailed game-by-game breakdown with matchups, context, and projected final scores.

Penn State football 2025 game-by-game predictions

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts against the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Week 1: vs. Nevada — Beaver Stadium

Prediction: PSU wins 49–7

– Nevada is rebuilding under Jeff Choate and lacks the firepower to challenge PSU’s defense.

– Expect Allar to get comfortable early, and the run game to dominate.

– PSU’s front seven will feast on a shaky Nevada O-line.

– The young Penn State linebackers will be tested with a dual-threat heavy run option quarterback system.

Week 2: vs. FIU — Beaver Stadium

Prediction: PSU wins 45–10

– FIU ranks near the bottom nationally in run defense.

– Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton should combine for 200+ yards.

– A good opportunity to test new WRs like Trebor Peña and Kyron Hudson and QB Drew Allar to improve on-field rapport with his new pass catchers.

Week 3: vs. Villanova — Beaver Stadium

Prediction: PSU wins 52–3

– Villanova is a solid FCS team but lacks the depth to compete.

– The Wildcats’ new QB, Pat McQuaide, will struggle against PSU’s pressure.

– Expect backups to get reps by the third quarter.

Week 4: Bye Week

– Timely rest before the season’s biggest test: Oregon.

Week 5: vs. Oregon — Beaver Stadium (White Out Game)

December 7, 2024. Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) celebrates during the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game versus Oregon. © Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2024.

Prediction: PSU wins 31–24

– Oregon beat PSU in last year’s Big Ten title game.

– Dante Moore takes over at QB for the Ducks, but PSU’s defense is more experienced and ready with a top secondary.

– Allar leads a late drive to seal the win in front of a raucous White Out crowd.

Week 6: at UCLA — Rose Bowl

Prediction: PSU wins 35–20

– UCLA added Nico Iamaleava at QB and revamped its secondary.

– PSU’s WRs will exploit the Bruins’ inexperience in coverage.

– Expect a close first half, but PSU pulls away with superior depth.

Week 7: vs. Northwestern — Beaver Stadium

Prediction: PSU wins 38–10

– Northwestern’s new QB, Preston Stone, struggled at SMU.

– PSU’s pass rush will overwhelm a rebuilt offensive line.

– Stripe Out game adds extra juice to the atmosphere.

Looking for a way to stay up-to-date with all the most important news surrounding Penn State football and Nittany Lion athletics? Follow us on social media and subscribe to our free newsletter for live news and insights sent directly to your feed!

Week 8: at Iowa — Kinnick Stadium

Prediction: PSU wins 27–17

– Iowa’s defense is always tough, and DT Aaron Graves is a force.

– PSU’s offensive line will be tested, but Allar’s poise and RB depth carry the day. Too many weapons with explosiveness.

– Kinnick is a trap, but PSU escapes.

Week 9: Bye Week

– Crucial recovery before the showdown in Columbus.

Week 10: at Ohio State — Ohio Stadium

Oct 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Zakee Wheatley (6) celebrates after a fourth down tackle of Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) during the third quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction: PSU wins 31 – 24

– OSU’s defense is elite, and the Buckeyes are loaded with NFL talent.

– With the addition of Jim Knowles and their own elite defense, the Nittany Lions will even the odds.

– PSU’s WRs will be tested by Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles, but with so many weapons on offense, the Nittany Lions will break through.

– Allar plays well enough to win, but the PSU rushing attack carries the day.

Week 11: vs. Indiana — Beaver Stadium

Prediction: PSU wins 41–20

– Indiana is improved under Curt Cignetti, but lacks the depth to hang.

– PSU’s defense forces multiple turnovers.

– Allar responds after a tougher outing in Columbus with a 300-yard day back at home.

Week 12: at Michigan State — Spartan Stadium

Prediction: PSU wins 30–17

– MSU QB Aidan Chiles is talented, but inconsistent.

– PSU’s linebackers will contain the run and force Chiles into mistakes.

– Expect a physical game, but PSU controls the tempo.

Week 13: vs. Nebraska — Beaver Stadium

Prediction: PSU wins 35–24

– Dylan Raiola is a rising star and will make some magic happen, but PSU’s defense will contain him.

– Nebraska’s OL upgrades help, but PSU’s front seven is too much.

– Senior Day energy fuels the Nittany Lions to a strong finish.

Week 14: at Rutgers — SHI Stadium

Prediction: PSU wins 38–14

– Rutgers has improved offensively, but lacks the firepower to keep up.

– PSU may rotate backups if a playoff spot is clinched.

– Expect a fast start and a comfortable win to finish the 2025 regular season.

Final Regular Season Record: 12-0

December 7, 2024. Lucas Oil Stadium ahead of the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game between Penn State and Oregon. © Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2024.

– Big Ten Championship: Likely rematch vs. Oregon or Ohio State.

– CFP Outlook: Top 4 seed, national title contender.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned and operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube — and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for the latest breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on social media.