Throughout the four-team College Football Playoff era, which began in 2014, Penn State consistently found itself on the outside looking in of the postseason. However, in the first year of the expanded 12-team format, the Nittany Lions are making some noise. Under the leadership of head coach James Franklin, Penn State is now just one win against Notre Dame away from advancing to the 2025 CFP National Championship. This is a remarkable turnaround for a program that has faced its share of challenges against some of college football’s elite teams over the years. Franklin has his squad on the verge of the biggest game of them all, and fans are buzzing with excitement.
Penn State’s Championship Aspirations
Despite its storied history, Penn State has never played in a labeled championship game. The Nittany Lions boast a long, rich tradition in college football, including some claimed titles, but the quest for a true national championship has eluded them. How many times has Penn State claimed a national championship? Let’s take a closer look at the history of the Nittany Lions and their pursuit of glory.
Penn State football championship history
Penn State has laid claim to a pair of national championships, both of which came in the same decade. The two consensus national championships that Penn State claims came in a four-year span, as head coach Joe Paterno led the Nittany Lions to the honor in 1982 and 1986.
Here’s a look at the Nittany Lions’ title-winning seasons, according to the NCAA:
| Year | Selecting Organizations | Split? | Bowl Game Win |
| 1982 | AP, FWAA, NFF, USA/CNN, UPI | No | Sugar Bowl |
| 1986 | AP, FWAA, NFF, USA/CNN, UPI | No | Fiesta Bowl |
But what about the other years? There’s also a long list of unclaimed titles for Penn State. In both 1911 and 1912, the Nittany Lions split national championship honors, first with Princeton, then with Harvard, after being selected as the champion by the National Championship Foundation (NCF). In 1969, Penn State was selected co-national champion with Texas by FACT and Sagarin, two of the NCAA’s designated major selectors at the time. The same happened in 1981, as Penn State was selected as the champion by Dunkel, another major selector. In 1994, the Nittany Lions went undefeated and earned some selections for the title, but Nebraska was the consensus champion.
Despite this rich history, Penn State recognizes only the 1982 and 1986 consensus national championships.
When was Penn State’s last national championship?
The Nittany Lions finished the 1986 season ranked No. 1 and as the consensus national champion after beating Miami 14-10 in the Fiesta Bowl. That season, they finished an unscathed 12-0 and entered the Fiesta Bowl ranked No. 2, trailing only the Hurricanes. Led by Paterno, the Nittany Lions’ quarterback that year was John Shaffer, who played a pivotal role in securing the championship.
As we look forward to 2025, it’s worth noting that this marks Penn State’s first-ever CFP appearance since the format was introduced in 2014. The Nittany Lions are seeking their first title in nearly 40 years, and the anticipation is palpable among fans and players alike.
Penn State’s Bowl Game Legacy
While Penn State claims only two national titles, it has a long and storied history in bowl games. The Nittany Lions have accumulated a 32-20-2 record in bowl games, showcasing their consistent competitiveness on the national stage. Their recent 31-14 victory over Boise State in December’s Fiesta Bowl is a testament to their resilience and skill.
Looking ahead, Penn State’s matchup in the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame will mark the program’s 11th bowl game under Franklin. This is an impressive feat, considering the challenges that come with maintaining a successful program. In contrast, Joe Paterno, who led the Nittany Lions for 46 years, had a 24-12-1 record in bowl games. Paterno’s 24 wins and 37 appearances are the most by a college football head coach all-time, and his legacy continues to inspire the current team.
The Road Ahead for Penn State
As the Nittany Lions gear up for their showdown with Notre Dame, the excitement surrounding the program is at an all-time high. Fans are hopeful that this could be the year they finally capture that elusive national championship. With a talented roster and a passionate coaching staff, the future looks bright for Penn State football.
The journey to the top is never easy, but the Nittany Lions have shown they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. Will they rise to the occasion and secure their place in college football history? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the roar of the Nittany Lions will be heard loud and clear as they chase their championship dreams.
