Which Big Ten Teams Penn State Avoids on the 2026 Football Schedule

Which Big Ten Teams Penn State Avoids on the 2026 Football Schedule explains that the Nittany Lions’ 2026 slate ranks among the conference’s easiest, largely due to whom they do not play. It says Penn State won’t face any team that reached 10 wins last season, while five opponents off its schedule won at least nine games in 2025. The piece underscores that avoiding certain contenders could matter as much as the matchups Penn State does get during regular season. It highlights Indiana after the Hoosiers’ upset at Beaver Stadium last season, and notes Ohio State’s strong roster, citing ESPN SP+ rankings with defense No. 1 in efficiency and offense No. 2. It also points to Oregon’s national-title caliber offense led by Dante Moore and defensive-tackle strength featuring Bear Alexander and A’Mauri Washington, plus Iowa’s nine-win roster.