Penn State will help open Northwestern’s new Ryan Field

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Penn State will be part of a major moment in Big Ten football this fall.Northwestern is set to host the Nittany Lions at the new Ryan Field on Friday, Oct. 2, marking the inaugural game at the Wildcats’ rebuilt stadium. The matchup gives Penn State an early-season road test while also serving as the first official football game in Northwestern’s new home.The Wildcats have spent the last two seasons playing home games away from Ryan Field as construction continued on the venue. The Oct. 2 date places Penn State in Evanston early in the heart of conference play, adding another significant checkpoint on Matt Campbell’s first Big Ten schedule in Happy Valley.

Northwestern’s new stadium debut adds extra attention to what is already a tricky type of road environment — a Big Ten opponent playing with energy and emotion in a historic setting. Penn State will be tasked with spoiling the celebration.

The rebuilt Ryan Field represents a fresh start for Northwestern football, giving the program a modernized home and a chance to create a stronger game-day atmosphere moving forward. There may not be a bigger stage for that opening than welcoming one of the league’s marquee brands in Penn State. The Nittany Lions will become the first visiting team to take the field in the new stadium, making the matchup a notable footnote in both programs’ histories.

October football always brings pressure in this conference, and Penn State will face it in a brand-new setting.

Penn State’s 2026 schedule was locked in following the release of the Big Ten schedule last week.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State will be the first opponent in renovated Big Ten stadium

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