by The rivalry between Penn State and Ohio State has always been one of the most talked-about matchups in college football. However, a recent comment from Ohio State’s Will Howard has left Penn State fans seething and questioning the true nature of this rivalry.
In a recent interview, Howard, who transferred to Ohio State and faced Penn State last season, revealed that the Buckeyes don’t view the Nittany Lions as their main rival. “I grew up as a Penn State fan, so I know how that fanbase feels. They look at Ohio State like they’re the rival. But, to be honest, Ohio State just doesn’t really see it that way,” Howard said.
This remark has ignited a firestorm of reactions from Penn State supporters, who have long viewed their annual clash with Ohio State as their most important game of the season. Since joining the Big Ten in 1993, the Nittany Lions have sought a rivalry with Ohio State, but Howard’s comments suggest the feeling isn’t mutual.
Penn State’s Rivalry Struggles
For years, Penn State has placed a heavy emphasis on its games against Ohio State, especially given their significance in the College Football Playoff race and Big Ten title implications. However, rivalries often thrive on competitive balance, and unfortunately for Penn State, Ohio State has dominated the series.
Ohio State has won 8 straight matchups and 12 of the last 13 encounters, with coaches like Urban Meyer and Ryan Day maintaining their success over James Franklin’s Nittany Lions. Franklin’s only win against the Buckeyes came in a thrilling 2016 game, but overall, Ohio State has remained the superior team.
The Latest Encounter: Another Ohio State Win
The most recent showdown in 2024 did little to change the narrative. With both teams ranked in the top five and the game held at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium, expectations were high for a competitive matchup. While Howard didn’t have eye-popping statistics—182 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception—his performance in crunch time proved to be the difference. A late third-down scramble by Howard sealed the Buckeyes’ victory, leaving Penn State fans disappointed once again.
Hope for the Future
Despite the ongoing dominance of Ohio State, there is optimism in Happy Valley. Penn State is poised for a breakthrough season in 2025, with a chance to finally overcome the Buckeyes and claim the Big Ten title. If Penn State can pull off a win against Ohio State this year and make a deep run in the College Football Playoff, the conversation about whether this rivalry is truly one-sided will surely change.
