Penn State football expects to play in a bowl game, after all, to end one of its most tumultuous seasons in school history.
The nation's preseason No. 2 team climbed out of its stunning free fall − losing six straight games, its star quarterback, its fired head coach − to earn a postseason-qualifying sixth victory.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTheir late-season recovery includes Saturday's 40-36 survival here in SHI Stadium over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
The 6-6 Nittany Lions, now winners of three straight, are expected to accept a lower-level Big Ten bowl bid next weekend − probably to play between Christmas and New Year's in New York City or Nashville.
They, almost surely, will have a new head coach leading them then, too.
"We've been through a lot of adversity," Nick Singleton said after the Rutgers win. "To be bowl eligible, and get another game for these guys, it means a lot."
Here are the Big Ten bowl games in which a 6-6 Penn State team could play:
Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) celebrates after a touchdown run during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesPenn State football bowl games: Detroit, Phoenix, Dec. 26
The Big Ten has two affiliated bowl games the day after Christmas.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, these Lions, propped up by a strong finish, new head coach publicity and a loyal fan following, should escape both: the Game Above Sports Bowl vs. a Mid-American Conference team (1 p.m., Ford Field, Detroit) and the Rate Bowl vs. a Big 12 team (4:30 p.m., Chase Field, Phoenix).
Penn State bowl game: Pinstripe, Dec. 27
The Lions' best fit for the postseason is in New York City.
The Pinstripe Bowl worked wonderfully for the regional Penn State fan base, which packed Yankee Stadium a decade ago for the victory over Boston College.
The noon game could provide tantalizing opponents from the ACC this time: Pitt or Missouri.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe former rival Nittany Lions and Panthers haven't played since 2019. Missouri? The Tigers feature former PSU quarterback and Central York grad Beau Pribula and former PSU recruit QB Matt Zollers.
Penn State bowl game: Music City, Dec. 30
The Music City Bowl in Nashville (5:30 p.m., Nissan Stadium) is the other most likely destination − especially considering the Lions have never played here.
The team's strong finish, substantial following and TV ratings could elevate them as the pick here over another Big Ten team with a slightly better record.
The Lions would play an SEC opponent.
Penn State bowl games, Dec. 31
While the Lions have the nation's best 6-6 resume, it seems unlikely they will jump into the Big Ten's top, non-College Football Playoff bowl game tier.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThey would have to pass eight- and nine-win teams like Iowa (which defeated PSU) and Michigan and USC to play in games on New Year's Eve − the ReliaQuest Bowl (Tampa, Florida), the Citrus Bowl (Orando, Florida) and the Las Vegas Bowl.
The Lions have played in the ReliaQuest (formerly the Outback Bowl) five times, more than any other Big Ten bowl (after the 1995, 1998, 2006, 2010 and 2021 seasons).
The Lions have never played in Vegas.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at [email protected] and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Will Penn State football play in a bowl game after victory vs Rutgers?
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