Matt Campbell's Penn State Bowl Outlook Has Iowa Ties
When Terry Smith called Penn State's Pinstripe Bowl victory over Clemson the greatest moment of my life, it proved one thing. Bowl games still matter, even as college football debates expanding the playoff to 24 teams. Smith couldn't hold back tears after the Nittany Lions capped a forgettable season with a memorable win.
I said I wasn't going to do that again, Smith told ESPN, but I'm just so happy for our guys.
Now, Penn State turns the page. Former Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell takes the reins in Happy Valley, and expectations are shifting quickly. Despite remaking the roster with 55 new players, Campbell is generating playoff buzz in his first season. Iowans know what he can do. He built the Cyclones into a consistent winner and now brings that same blue collar approach to a Big Ten powerhouse.
But what if Penn State finishes bowl eligible and misses the 12 team playoff field? The Nittany Lions' bowl options will look familiar, as the Big Ten's bowl tie ins remain the same for the 2026 27 season. The bowls will continue the conference contracts from last season.
The Big Ten maintains contracts with six bowls, while the four former Pac 12 teams also retain contracts with that conference. That's why USC played in the Alamo Bowl last season and Washington played in the now defunct LA Bowl.
Penn State almost certainly won't return to the Pinstripe Bowl no matter its record. Here are the five bowl games the Nittany Lions are most likely to play in this season, assuming they don't make the College Football Playoff or finish 5 7. For the record, the Rose Bowl is a CFP semifinal game on New Year's Day.
Cheez It Citrus Bowl
The Citrus Bowl in Orlando retains its place among the leading non playoff bowl games, drawing the top non qualifiers from the Big Ten and SEC. Last year, Texas defeated Michigan 41 27.
This season's Citrus Bowl is scheduled for a noon ET kickoff on January 2 at Camping World Stadium. Penn State has a long history in the game, having played in it five times since joining the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions made their last Citrus Bowl appearance in 2019, falling to Kentucky 27 24. A nine win Penn State team that misses the playoff has a strong case for Orlando.
ReliaQuest Bowl
Penn State might have the highest odds of going to Tampa if it doesn't make the playoff, particularly if it goes 8 4. The Nittany Lions have been a consistent draw at Raymond James Stadium, playing there five times since 1995. Their last appearance capped the 2021 season with a 24 10 loss to Arkansas.
Interestingly, the Citrus and ReliaQuest bowls will be played on different days this season. The Big Ten and SEC matchup in Tampa will kick off at noon on New Year's Eve. Iowa fans will remember that the Hawkeyes defeated Vanderbilt 34 27 in last season's ReliaQuest Bowl, showing the kind of firepower the Big Ten can bring to this game.
Music City Bowl
James Franklin never returned to Nashville in his 11 plus seasons at Penn State, so the Nittany Lions have yet to play in this game. A seven or eight win season could get them there for the first time under Campbell.
The Music City Bowl is another Big Ten SEC game scheduled for December 30 at Nissan Stadium. It has a limbo kickoff time, though. 3 p.m. ET on a Wednesday. More time on Broadway post game, apparently. Last year, Illinois beat Tennessee 30 28.
Duke's Mayo Bowl
Campbell's last bowl appearance was the quirkily branded Pop Tarts Bowl in 2024, when his Iowa State Cyclones beat Miami 42 41. Iowa fans remember that thriller well. Would he prefer mayonnaise over breakfast pastries?
The Duke's Mayo Bowl has become one of bowl season's great marketing opportunities, landing tie ins with the Big Ten and ACC. This season's game is scheduled for December 26 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Not the most convenient timing for convincing starters to play.
Penn State probably doesn't play here if it wins more than eight games. But this seems like the most likely destination for a 7 5 Penn State team, especially considering the tie in share with the Las Vegas Bowl.
Since Wake Forest beat Mississippi State 43 29 in Nashville last year and Nebraska went to the Las Vegas Bowl, a Big Ten team is likely headed to the Duke's Mayo Bowl this season.
Cactus Bowl
The former Rate Bowl gets a new name and location. Now known as the Cactus Bowl, the December 26 game will move from Chase Field in Phoenix to Mountain America Stadium, the Arizona State Sun Devils' home in Tempe, Arizona.
Penn State has never played a desert bowl game outside of the Fiesta Bowl, so this game seems like a long shot no matter the team's record. It's a Big Ten vs. Big 12 game, with Minnesota defeating New Mexico last season.
Full Bowl Schedule Ahead
The full 2026 27 bowl schedule is out, featuring 44 games that include the playoff. Bowl season begins December 12 in Atlanta with the Cricket Celebration Bowl and ends January 25 with the national championship game in Las Vegas.
For Iowa fans, Campbell's first season at Penn State adds another layer of intrigue to the bowl landscape. Whether he returns to familiar territory or charts a new course, the Cyclones' former leader will be one to watch as the season unfolds.