We’ve reached the quarter-century mark of college football since 2000, and much has changed.
NIL, the transfer portal, larger TV contracts, conference realignment, and the College Football Playoff have all changed the game. Some for the better, some for the worse.
Leading up to the 2025 season, The Athletic released its top 100 rivalries and shared its top 25 on social media.
While most rivalries from 25 years ago remain intact, others have faded off into the distance while new ones form.
The Athletic regards Ohio State-Penn State as a top 10 rivalry, slotting it No. 6 on the list.
The only rivalries higher are:
- Ohio State-Michigan
- Auburn-Alabama
- Oklahoma-Texas
- Army-Navy
- USC-Notre Dame
- Ohio State-Penn State
While the game has a significant feel to it leading up to kickoff, OSU always finds a way to steal the thunder. Ohio State is 24-8 against Penn State and has won nine of the last 10 games.
Ohio State overcame a 10-0 deficit at Beaver Stadium last season to stun PSU 20-13. Penn State’s last win against Ohio State came in a 24-21 victory on October 22, 2016. Marcus Allen famously blocked Tyler Davis’ kick, and Grant Haley took it back 60 yards for the game-winning touchdown.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.The last time Penn State won at Ohio State was November 19, 2011, 20-14 led by Matt McGloin. James Franklin has yet to win in Columbus and is 1-10 against Ohio State, and needs to start beating the Buckeyes for it to be considered a true rivalry by everybody.
Four other opponents crack the list. Penn State-Iowa (67), Penn State-Michigan State (66), and Michigan-Penn State (48) are the three remaining Big Ten rivalries.
The big question remains: where is Pitt?
The Athletic ranked Pitt-Penn State the No. 37 rivalry in college football. Penn State is 53-43-4 against Pitt and has won three of the last four matchups. They haven’t played since 2019.
The Nittany Lions have won 10 of the last 12 meetings and experienced hiatuses from 1993-96 and 2001-15 before the current one. The two programs are not scheduled to play each other again in the near future.
The Keystone Rivalry may be gone, but its legacy still lives throughout Pennsylvania with many still wanting the matchup to one day return to Pittsburgh and Happy Valley.
