BREAKING NEWS: Penn State Adds Florida International to 2025 Football Schedule; Non-Conference Slate Finalized
State College, PA – April 10, 2025
The 2025 Penn State football schedule continues to take shape as the Nittany Lions officially announced the addition of Florida International University (FIU) to their non-conference lineup. The game is scheduled for September 6, 2025, and will take place at Beaver Stadium in front of what is expected to be another massive crowd of over 100,000 fans.
This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between Penn State and FIU on the gridiron, adding a fresh opponent to the program’s early-season slate. The announcement finalizes Penn State’s non-conference schedule for 2025, which now includes home games against Nevada (August 30), FIU (September 6), and Villanova (September 13).
“This is a great addition to our 2025 schedule,” said Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft in a statement released Wednesday. “We’re always looking to bring in competitive matchups that help prepare our team for Big Ten play, and hosting FIU gives us another valuable opportunity to do that in front of our home fans.”
FIU, a member of Conference USA, is considered a rising program within the Group of Five ranks. While they’ve struggled in recent seasons, head coach Mike MacIntyre has built a foundation of young talent and will look to use this high-profile game as a major measuring stick early in the season.
For Penn State, the addition of FIU is strategically timed. The Nittany Lions are expected to be among the national championship contenders in 2025, led by returning quarterback Drew Allar, a revamped offensive line, and a reloaded defense under new coordinator Jim Knowles. Early games like this one offer the opportunity to tune up the roster, develop young talent, and refine schemes before the Big Ten gauntlet begins.
“This non-conference stretch gives us three chances to evaluate where we are and make adjustments before we dive into league play,” said head coach James Franklin. “We don’t take any opponent lightly, and we know FIU will come in hungry to prove themselves.”
The 2025 season carries high expectations for Penn State, especially after a strong showing in 2024 that saw them narrowly miss the College Football Playoff. With Allar opting to return for another year, and veterans like Zane Durant anchoring the defense, fans in Happy Valley are buzzing with anticipation.
Beyond the football implications, the FIU matchup also presents a financial and exposure benefit for both programs. For FIU, it’s an opportunity to play in one of the most iconic stadiums in college football. For Penn State, it’s another chance to engage their massive fan base and expand their national brand.
Kickoff time for the Penn State–FIU game has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be a televised event, likely broadcast on the Big Ten Network or FOX Sports.
As fall approaches, Beaver Stadium is already preparing for another electric season. And with the 2025 schedule now locked in, the countdown to kickoff officially begins.