Senior Day against Nebraska doubles as Penn State’s last guaranteed home shot to climb back to .500, putting extra pressure on a roster still adapting to major injuries.
The Matchup: November 22 at Beaver Stadium
Penn State will host Nebraska on November 22, 2025, for a Big Ten conference game at Beaver Stadium. The Cornhuskers arrive in Happy Valley with a 5-2 overall record and a 2-2 Big Ten conference mark, making them a more formidable opponent than Michigan State but still beatable for the Nittany Lions.
Nebraska’s Strong Season
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have emerged as one of the Big Ten’s pleasant surprises in 2025 under head coach Matt Rhule’s leadership. With a 5-2 overall record and a 2-2 conference record, Nebraska represents a quality opponent that Penn State will need to overcome.
The Cornhuskers’ strength this season has been their resilience and competitive play in the Big Ten. They’ve proven they can compete with conference opponents, making this game a significant test for Penn State’s bowl eligibility hopes. Nebraska’s experience and veteran coaching staff under Rhule will present challenges for Terry Smith’s interim coaching tenure.
Penn State’s Path at Home
Playing at home is beneficial for Penn State, as Beaver Stadium remains one of the most intimidating venues in college football even during a down season. The crowd support could be critical in this matchup, particularly given the importance of the game to both programs’ bowl eligibility hopes.
By November 22, Penn State will likely be at either 4-5 (after beating Indiana and Michigan State) or in worse shape. Either way, this game is important for keeping the Nittany Lions’ bowl eligibility alive. A loss would make reaching six wins extremely difficult, while a victory would put Penn State within one game of bowl eligibility.
Ethan Grunkemeyer’s Experience
By the third week of November, Ethan Grunkemeyer will have significant starting experience under his belt. Whether that experience has been positive or fraught with challenges, he’ll need to execute the offense effectively against Nebraska’s defense.
The Cornhuskers’ defensive scheme is well-coached and experienced, so Grunkemeyer will face a test of his development. However, the relative strength of Nebraska’s defense compared to elite teams like Ohio State or Indiana should present more manageable challenges for the young quarterback.
Kaytron Allen’s Opportunity
Kaytron Allen will be crucial to Penn State’s offensive success in this matchup. The Nebraska defense, while competent, should present opportunities for a ground-based attack. Allen’s powerful running style and ability to break tackles will be valuable against the Cornhuskers’ defense.
With Allen potentially having over 700+ rushing yards by November 22, he’ll be seeking to continue his strong season in this critical matchup.
Defensive Responsibilities
Penn State’s defense, led by Abdul Carter and the defensive line, will need to pressure Nebraska’s quarterback and disrupt the Cornhuskers’ offensive rhythm. Nebraska has shown they can move the ball, so Penn State’s secondary and pass rush must work in concert to limit big plays.
The defensive unit, which has been Penn State’s brightest spot this season, must step up again against a capable Nebraska offense.
The Importance of Home Field
Playing at Beaver Stadium provides Penn State with a significant advantage. The crowd noise, familiar surroundings, and emotional lift of playing at home could be the difference in a close game. Nebraska, even as a strong opponent, will have to overcome the hostile environment.
Looking Ahead
Penn State’s final game after Nebraska will be at Rutgers on November 29. If the Nittany Lions can beat Nebraska, they’ll have secured bowl eligibility with a win at Rutgers—a much more manageable path than where they started the final five games.
The Bottom Line
This matchup against Nebraska represents a critical point in Penn State’s season. A loss would significantly jeopardize bowl eligibility, while a victory would put the program in a strong position heading into the season finale at Rutgers. The Cornhuskers are the more balanced opponent on the remaining schedule, but Penn State’s home-field advantage and the importance of the game to both programs should make this an entertaining and pivotal Big Ten conference matchup.