Is Penn State favored against Oregon and Ohio State? Early point spreads are out
As the 2025 college football season approaches, early betting lines are beginning to emerge—and for Penn State fans, there’s reason to keep expectations measured. According to the initial point spreads released by oddsmakers, the Nittany Lions are not favored in their marquee matchups against fellow Big Ten powerhouses Oregon and Ohio State.
The release of these early lines has sparked intense discussion among fans and analysts alike. While Penn State remains a top-tier program under head coach James Franklin, both Oregon and Ohio State are being viewed as slightly more complete teams on paper—at least for now.
Against Oregon, Penn State opens as a narrow underdog, with sportsbooks favoring the Ducks by approximately 2.5 to 3 points. Oregon, who officially joined the Big Ten in 2024, brings with them a high-octane offense and a deep, athletic roster that has been steadily rising under head coach Dan Lanning. With quarterback Dillon Gabriel leading the charge and a defense that proved formidable last season, the Ducks are considered one of the early favorites to win the conference.
Penn State’s clash with Oregon is expected to be one of the most anticipated games of the year, likely carrying playoff implications. However, oddsmakers’ slight lean toward the Ducks highlights the perception that Penn State still needs to prove itself in these high-pressure, top-10 showdowns.
Meanwhile, the more familiar rivalry with Ohio State continues to present a challenge for the Nittany Lions. The Buckeyes are currently favored by 4 to 5 points in early lines—a reflection of their consistent dominance over Penn State in recent years. Ohio State has won eight straight matchups in the series, with their last loss to the Nittany Lions coming in 2016.
Led by a stacked roster that includes All-American-caliber talent on both sides of the ball, Ohio State continues to be the Big Ten benchmark. Though Penn State has kept many of their recent matchups with the Buckeyes close, they’ve yet to turn the tide under Franklin when it matters most.
Still, not all hope is lost for Happy Valley. Early point spreads are often conservative and tend to shift dramatically as the season progresses. Injuries, breakout players, and game-by-game performances can all swing the betting lines in a team’s favor. Moreover, Penn State returns a strong defensive core and a rising young quarterback who could become the X-factor by midseason.
These early odds aren’t final verdicts—they’re predictions based on what analysts and oddsmakers know right now. If anything, being labeled as underdogs might serve as fuel for a team that’s eager to prove its place among the conference’s elite.
