Penn State 2026 Football Schedule Features Trip to Philadelphia and Northwestern’s New Venue
Penn State has officially outlined its 2026 football season, highlighted by a return to Lincoln Financial Field and a significant road conference matchup against Northwestern. The schedule includes a non-conference clash with the Temple Owls in Philadelphia on September 12, marking another chapter in the in-state rivalry played at the home of the Philadelphia Eagles. Additionally, the Nittany Lions are slated to be among the first opponents to visit Northwestern’s rebuilt stadium in Evanston, Illinois, during the Big Ten slate.
The meeting with Temple at “The Linc” continues a long-standing historical series between the two Pennsylvania programs. Meanwhile, the visit to Northwestern offers a look at the university’s $800 million project to replace the aging Ryan Field. The new venue is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility with a reduced seating capacity of approximately 35,000, intended to create a more intimate and premium experience for spectators.
Despite the excitement surrounding these unique venues, the schedule presents potential downsides. Critics argue that playing Temple at an NFL stadium rather than Beaver Stadium removes a true home game from the schedule, potentially impacting the State College local economy which relies heavily on football weekends. Furthermore, relying on the debut of Northwestern’s new stadium carries logistical risks; large-scale construction projects often face delays, which could lead to uncertainty regarding the game’s location if the facility is not completed on time. There is also concern among the fanbase that the reduced capacity at Northwestern’s new field will make tickets scarce and expensive for traveling Penn State supporters.
