Penn State Prepares for Tough Match Against No. 1 Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Penn State‘s football season has taken a downturn in 2025, currently sitting at 3-4 following the firing of head coach James Franklin. The Nittany Lions are now preparing for a critical match against the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes, who are ranked No. 1 in the nation. The game is set for noon on Nov. 1 at Ohio Stadium.

The season became even more challenging for Penn State after star quarterback Drew Allar suffered a season-ending injury on Oct. 11, leaving backup Ethan Grunkemeyer in charge of the offense. Grunkemeyer, a redshirt sophomore from Lewis Center, Ohio, has the added pressure of facing his hometown team for the first time.

“It’s gonna be cool to go back home and be able to do that,” Grunkemeyer said earlier this week. “I always watched the Penn State/Ohio State games, and I think that just is a dream come true, being able to play in it.”

Grunkemeyer made his starting debut against Iowa on Oct. 18, completing 15 of 28 passes for 93 yards. However, he did not secure any touchdowns and has struggled to find his rhythm. In high school, he was a highly recruited prospect, throwing for 6,036 yards and 64 touchdowns.

The Nittany Lions will likely rely on their running game against Ohio State’s formidable defense. Running back Kaytron Allen had a strong performance against Iowa, rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns.

As for the odds, Ohio State is favored by 20.5 points, with the game total set at either 43 or 43.5. The Buckeyes are on a 64-game winning streak against all teams except for Oregon and Michigan.

This matchup marks a significant moment for Penn State, as they aim to improve their disappointing season. Ohio State has historically dominated the rivalry, winning 12 of the last 13 encounters.