The Penn State Nittany Lions were less than eight minutes from advancing to the College Football Playoff Championship Game last January. What are the chances coach James Franklin’s team can make it back to the promised land this season?
As of now, the odds are looking in the Nittany Lions’ favor.
With Penn State starting its first preseason practice on Wednesday, PennStakes.com, your source for the latest PA sports betting and iGaming news and reviews in the Keystone State, wanted to assess the Nittany Lions postseason chances. The odds below are for entertainment purposes only and you will not find them at any licensed sportsbook in the commonwealth.
And don't think we're selling Penn State short: Bookmark our separate Penn State College Football Playoff Odds page here.
Bowl | Location | Conference Opponent | Odds | Percentage Chance |
College Football Playoff First Round | TBD | TBD | +105 | 48.8% |
College Football Playoff Quarterfinal | TBD | TBD | +250 | 28.6% |
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl | Orlando, FL | Big Ten vs. SEC | +1400 | 6.7% |
ReliaQuest Bowl | Tampa, FL | Big Ten vs. SEC or ACC | +1400 | 6.7% |
TransPerfect Music City Bowl | Nashville, TN | Big Ten vs. SEC | +1600 | 5.9% |
The Field |
| +2750 | 3.5% |
Disclaimer: These odds were developed by and are exclusive to PennStakes.com, but regulated operators offering top PA sportsbook promos will offer wagers on each college game, plus futures betting and more.
Why are we so bullish on the Nittany Lions? Primarily, it’s because Franklin’s team is returning 14 starters from last season’s 13-3 squad. According to CBSSports.com, that’s the same number as Alabama, Iowa State and Pittsburgh, and only Arizona State, Illinois, Clemson and Texas A&M bring back more among the Power Four schools.
The Nittany Lions also have nine starters coming back on offense, tied with Iowa State and Illinois as the most of any P4 program. While they must replace standout tight end Tyler Warren, who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in April, the Nittany Lions have Drew Allar returning for his third season as the team’s starting quarterback. A pair of 1,000-yard rushers, Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, also remain in Happy Valley as does the core of the offensive line protecting Allar and opening holes for the backs.
Penn State’s five defensive starters that return all ranked in the top 10 on the team in tackles. Defensive linemen Zane Durant and Dani Dennis Sutton also combined for 24 tackles for loss. Linebacker Tony Rojas and safety Zakee Wheatley were among Penn State’s leaders in interception with three each, and cornerback A.J. Harris helped keep opponents’ receivers in check throughout the season.
Barring injuries, all that would indicate the Nittany Lions are in good shape to make the second 12-team playoff.
Year | Bowl | Result |
2024 | College Football Playoff Semifinal | Loss, 27-24 vs. Notre Dame |
2023 | Peach Bowl | Loss, 38-25 vs. Ole Miss |
2022 | Rose Bowl | Win, 35-21 vs. Utah |
2021 | Outback Bowl | Loss, 24-10 vs. Arkansas |
2020 | No Bowl Game |
|
Franklin's team came up just short in the CFP semifinal to Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish last season, but we like their chances of getting back to the 12-team field this year. Back in 2023, the Nittany Lions lost to Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl, though the year before they defeated Utah in the Rose Bowl.
More: Pennsylvania sports betting apps.
USA Today photo by Dan Rainville.
For the current 2025-26 college football season, Penn State is currently projected to play in the first round of the College Football Playoff with the odds at +105 (48.8% chance). That game could be played in State College if the Nittany Lions are among the fifth through eighth seeds, but they could also get a bye into the quarters if the selection committee considers them one of the top four teams – regardless of whether they win the Big Ten or not.
Due to it still being the preseason, Penn State is not currently playing in a bowl game. Their most recent bowl game was in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal loss against Notre Dame.
Author
Steve is an accomplished, award-winning reporter with more than 20 years of experience covering gaming, sports, politics and business. He has written for the Associated Press, Reuters, The Louisville Courier Journal, The Center Square and numerous other publications. Based in Louisville, Ky., Steve has covered the expansion of sports betting in the U.S. and other gaming matters.
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