PSU-OSU Annual Game Halted; Returns in 2029

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Big Ten Shake-Up: Penn State-Ohio State Annual Football Rivalry Pauses Under New Scheduling Model, 2028 Game Off**

**UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – [Current Date]** – College football fans are facing a significant shift in the Big Ten landscape, as the annual clash between Penn State and Ohio State will no longer be a guaranteed fixture. The highly anticipated 2028 matchup, originally scheduled for Beaver Stadium, has been removed from the calendar, signaling a new era for one of the conference’s premier rivalries.

The change comes as a direct consequence of the Big Ten’s recently implemented “Flex Protect Plus” scheduling model, designed to accommodate the conference’s expansion to 18 teams by 2024 (with the additions of USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon) and the elimination of divisional play. Under this new format, traditional powerhouses Penn State and Ohio State, who have faced off every year since 1993, will see a reduced frequency in their matchups.

The next confirmed game between the Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes is not until 2029, set to take place at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. While the rivalry is far from disappearing entirely, fans should expect to see it approximately two to three times over any given five-year stretch, a notable departure from the annual contest that has become a calendar highlight.

The “Flex Protect Plus” model aims to balance competitive equity across the expanded conference while preserving a selection of historic rivalries. For Penn State, annual protected games will include matchups against Maryland and Rutgers. Ohio State, meanwhile, will maintain its treasured yearly showdown with arch-rival Michigan. However, for other historically significant games like Penn State vs. Ohio State, the model necessitates a rotating schedule.

“This is undoubtedly a difficult pill for many fans to swallow,” said [Simulated Quote from Pat Kraft, Penn State Athletic Director]. “The Penn State-Ohio State game has been a marquee event for decades, a true litmus test for both programs and a point of pride for our fan bases. However, we understand the need for the Big Ten to adapt to a new, larger conference structure. Our focus remains on competing for championships within this new framework, and we look forward to renewing this rivalry when it appears on our schedule.”

Similarly, [Simulated Quote from Gene Smith, Ohio State Athletic Director] noted, “The Big Ten’s expansion brings incredible opportunities but also necessitates challenging decisions regarding scheduling. While we value every rivalry, particularly one as significant as Penn State, the ‘Flex Protect Plus’ model is designed to ensure competitive balance across 18 teams and provide every school the opportunity to play against a diverse set of opponents. We know our fans will miss the annual tradition, but the intensity of the rivalry will remain whenever we do play.”

The Penn State-Ohio State rivalry has produced numerous iconic moments since their first meeting in 1912, intensifying significantly after Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993. Memorable upsets, thrilling finishes, and high stakes have consistently defined the series, making it a pivotal game in the Big Ten championship race for years. Ohio State currently holds a 24-14 advantage in the all-time series.

For fans, the news evokes mixed emotions. “It’s a shame,” commented lifelong Penn State fan, Sarah Jenkins. “That game was always circled on my calendar. It felt like a playoff game every year. I understand why they’re doing it, but it’s still going to feel weird not having it every season.”

The Big Ten’s new scheduling paradigm is a direct response to the dramatic shifts in collegiate athletics, particularly conference realignment. By eliminating divisions and instituting a dynamic scheduling system, the conference aims to provide equitable opportunities for its expanded membership to compete for a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and, subsequently, the newly expanded College Football Playoff.

While the annual tradition of Penn State vs. Ohio State may be on hiatus, the anticipation for their future matchups is expected to be even greater, as each renewed contest under the “Flex Protect Plus” model will carry heightened significance for both programs and their passionate fan bases.

Further details on the full 2028 Big Ten schedule and future “Flex Protect Plus” rotations are expected to be released by the conference in the coming months and will be available on the official Big Ten website.

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