The streets of State College erupted with excitement as fans flooded the town, celebrating the Penn State Nittany Lions’ dramatic 24-19 victory over Notre Dame in 1986. Newspaper scraps floated from apartment balconies, toilet paper hung from utility wires, and chants of “We are… Penn State!” filled the air. That memorable win sent the Nittany Lions to the 1987 Fiesta Bowl, where they triumphed over the Miami Hurricanes, clinching an undefeated season and the national title.
The fierce rivalry between Penn State and Notre Dame dates back over a century, with their first meeting in 1913. The series stands deadlocked at 9-9-1, with a tie in 1925 preventing either team from claiming supremacy. Now, in 2025, a century after that iconic tie, these two programs are set to clash once again in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Orange Bowl in Miami.
While the final score is yet to be written, the history between Penn State and Notre Dame is rich with memorable moments. Here are a few of the most notable matchups:
2007: Penn State wins 31-10
1992: Notre Dame wins 17-16
1976: Notre Dame wins 20-9
1968: Penn State wins 24-19
1925: Tie
With both teams eager to add another chapter to this storied rivalry, the 2025 showdown promises to be unforgettable.
