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Quizzes > Sports

Penn State football trivia: Test your Nittany Lions knowledge

Quick Nittany Lions football quiz with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Quinn MonahanUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration featuring Nittany Lions football helmet mascot and trivia quiz text on dark blue background

This Penn State football trivia quiz helps you check your knowledge of the Nittany Lions, from legendary coaches to Beaver Stadium moments. Get instant feedback, learn a few facts, and see how you stack up with friends. When you are done, try our broader college football quiz or size up the rivalry with Ohio State football trivia.

What year did Penn State first field a football team?
1875
1887
1890
1903
Penn State's football program began in 1887 when students at the Pennsylvania State College organized the first official team. Early games were played on the Old Main lawn before Beaver Stadium existed. The team has since grown into a storied program with a rich history. For more information on the origins of Penn State football, see .
What are Penn State's official team colors?
Black and Gold
Red and Blue
Blue and White
Green and White
Penn State's official colors, adopted in 1890, are blue and white. These colors represent the loyalty and purity embraced by the university community. They are featured prominently in uniforms and school branding. For more on Penn State's colors, visit .
What is the name of Penn State's football stadium?
Memorial Stadium
Old Main Stadium
Beaver Stadium
Lion Arena
Beaver Stadium has been the home of Penn State football since 1960, replacing the original Beaver Field. Known for its massive seating capacity, it's one of the largest stadiums in the Western Hemisphere. The stadium is named after James A. Beaver, Pennsylvania's 20th governor and former university president. Learn more at .
What is the nickname of Penn State's live mascot?
White Tiger
Blue Bear
Nittany Lion
State Eagle
The live mascot for Penn State football is the Nittany Lion, a mountain lion once native to Mount Nittany near campus. The practice started in 1960 when a live lion cub was introduced as a symbol of school spirit. Today, the mascot is represented by costumed performers and a statue but retains the Nittany Lion name. For more about the mascot's origin, see .
Which conference did Penn State officially join in 1993?
Pac-10
Big East
ACC
Big Ten
Penn State officially joined the Big Ten Conference on July 1, 1993, after being an independent football program for over 100 years. Joining the Big Ten increased conference rivalries and revenue sharing, enhancing the program's national profile. The move also aligned Penn State with academically similar institutions within the conference. Details available at .
In which Pennsylvania city is Penn State's main campus located?
Harrisburg
Philadelphia
State College
Pittsburgh
Penn State's main campus, known as University Park, is located in State College, Pennsylvania. The town is often referred to as 'Happy Valley' and serves as the cultural and financial hub of the surrounding region. State College has grown with the university to host thousands of students, faculty, and visitors each year. More on State College can be found at .
What is the name of Penn State's famous all-white home game tradition?
White Out
Snow Bowl
Blue Out
Lion Pride
The 'White Out' tradition began in 2004 when Penn State students wore all-white attire to a night game at Beaver Stadium. The idea stemmed from earlier coordinated white color trends and quickly grew into one of college football's most iconic fan displays. It creates an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams, especially during night games. Learn more at .
Who served as Penn State head coach directly before Joe Paterno?
Dick Harlow
Hugo Bezdek
Rip Engle
Barry Alvarez
Rip Engle served as Penn State's head football coach from 1950 to 1965 before Joe Paterno took over in 1966. Engle led the Nittany Lions to several bowl appearances and established a strong foundation for the program. Paterno was earlier Engle's offensive coordinator and succeeded him as head coach. More on Rip Engle's tenure can be found at .
How many consensus national championships does Penn State claim?
4
2
1
3
Penn State claims two consensus national championships for the 1982 and 1986 seasons, recognized by major polling services. The 1982 team went 11-1 and was crowned by an Orange Bowl victory, while the 1986 squad finished 12-1 after defeating Miami. Other years saw split titles or lesser recognition, so Penn State officially recognizes two. Additional history is available at .
What is Penn State's rivalry game against the University of Pittsburgh commonly called?
State Rivalry
Steel City Showdown
Keystone Classic
Liberty Bowl
The rivalry game between Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh is commonly called the Keystone Classic, highlighting the shared moniker of Pennsylvania as the Keystone State. The series dates back to 1893 and is known for intense competition and local bragging rights. Although the rivalry game was paused due to scheduling conflicts, it's one of college football's oldest series. More information at .
Which legendary head coach also served as Penn State's athletic director starting in 1981?
Joe Paterno
Rip Engle
James Franklin
Jerry Sandusky
In addition to his duties as head football coach starting in 1966, Joe Paterno also served as Penn State's athletic director from 1981 until 2011. Paterno's dual roles allowed him to oversee broader athletic department policies while leading the football program to national prominence. His tenure is one of the longest in college sports history. Learn more at .
As of 2020, how many NCAA Division I bowl games has Penn State played?
52
58
47
63
As of 2020, Penn State has appeared in 52 NCAA Division I bowl games, making it one of the most-bowl experienced programs in college football history. Their bowl appearances include staples like the Rose Bowl, Outback Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl. Penn State has a notable bowl record, having won the majority of these games. For a detailed list, see .
Who holds the Penn State single-season passing yards record?
Todd Blackledge
Daryll Clark
Christian Hackenberg
Sean Clifford
Daryll Clark set the Penn State single-season passing yards record with 3,003 yards during the 2009 season. Clark broke Todd Blackledge's previous record by distributing the ball effectively to a talented receiving corps. His performance that season led Penn State to an 11-2 record and an Outback Bowl victory. More statistics at .
What is the seating capacity of Beaver Stadium?
110,500
106,572
98,000
102,000
Beaver Stadium's official seating capacity is 106,572, making it the second-largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere by seating capacity. The stadium underwent several expansions since its opening in 1960 to reach its current size. Fans from all over pack into 'Happy Valley' for Saturday home games. For more on stadium details, visit .
Which bowl game has Penn State appeared in a record eleven times?
Fiesta Bowl
Outback Bowl
Rose Bowl
Orange Bowl
Penn State has appeared in the Outback Bowl (now the ReliaQuest Bowl) a record eleven times, more than any other school. Their frequent trips to Tampa bowl demonstrate the program's consistent success over the past few decades. Penn State holds an 6-5 record in the Outback Bowl series. For details, see .
Which Penn State player was selected first overall in the 1995 NFL Draft?
Franco Harris
Mike Reid
Ki-Jana Carter
Kerry Collins
Running back Ki-Jana Carter was selected first overall in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, becoming the highest-drafted Penn State player in NFL history. Carter had rushed for over 1,800 yards in 1994, leading him to that selection. His pro career was hampered by injuries, but his draft status remains a program milestone. More draft history at .
Which Penn State linebacker won the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2005?
Paul Posluszny
Navorro Bowman
LaVar Arrington
Dan Connor
Linebacker Paul Posluszny won the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2005 as the nation's top defensive player. During that season, he recorded 124 tackles and was a consensus All-American. Posluszny's leadership helped Penn State reach the Orange Bowl that year. More on his award can be found at .
Which Penn State defensive end was a unanimous All-American in 2016?
Ryan Shazier
Saquon Barkley
Carl Nassib
Joey Bosa
Defensive end Carl Nassib was a unanimous All-American in 2016 after recording 23.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. His performance helped lead Penn State's formidable defensive front that season. Nassib became the first openly gay active NFL player after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. For more on Carl Nassib, see .
Which Penn State running back rushed for over 1,500 yards in both the 1979 and 1980 seasons?
Larry Johnson
Curt Warner
Lydell Mitchell
Franco Harris
Curt Warner rushed for 1,571 yards in 1979 and 1,456 yards in 1980, making him the first Penn State running back to exceed 1,500 yards in consecutive seasons. Warner finished his career with 3,398 rushing yards, a school record at his graduation. He went on to enjoy a successful NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks. Learn more at .
In what year did Penn State achieve the #1 ranking in the AP Poll for the first time?
1968
1994
1982
2005
Penn State achieved its first-ever #1 ranking in the AP Poll on October 15, 1968, under head coach Joe Paterno. That season, the Nittany Lions went 11-0-1, tying Ohio State in the final game. Although the 1968 squad did not win a national title, they set the stage for future championship teams. More on that season is available at .
What was the final score of Penn State's victory in the 1983 Rose Bowl?
27-23
20-17
24-21
30-24
In the 1983 Rose Bowl, Penn State defeated USC 27-23 to secure their first Rose Bowl victory. Quarterback Todd Blackledge threw for two touchdowns, and the defense made key stops late in the game. The win capped an 11-1 season and bolstered Penn State's national championship claims. Details are at .
Which team ended Penn State's 29-game home winning streak during the 2002 "White Out" game?
Wisconsin
Miami (FL)
Ohio State
Michigan State
Michigan State ended Penn State's 29-game home winning streak on September 28, 2002, during a 'White Out' game at Beaver Stadium. The Spartans won 35-31 in a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback. This remains one of the most memorable games in White Out history. Read more at .
What was Penn State's original name when founded in 1855?
Pennsylvania State University
Keystone Agricultural College
Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania
State College Institute
When founded in 1855, Penn State was known as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania, focusing on agricultural education. The institution was the nation's first land-grant college under the Morrill Act of 1862. It was later renamed Pennsylvania State College before becoming a university in 1953. For detailed history, see .
At the end of the 2011 season, what was Joe Paterno's all-time win total?
409
418
395
350
At the end of the 2011 season, Joe Paterno had amassed 409 career wins, making him the winningest coach in FBS history at the time. His record included regular season and bowl victories spanning 46 seasons. Vacated wins later adjusted his total, but 409 remains his on-field mark. More on Paterno's record can be found at .
As of 2020, how many Penn State alumni have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
2
4
6
3
As of 2020, four Penn State alumni have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Franco Harris, Lenny Moore, Jack Ham, and Mike Munchak. These players represent the school's strong tradition of producing professional talent. Each enjoyed exceptional NFL careers before enshrinement. See the full list at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Landmark Games -

    Recall key matchups and pivotal moments in penn state trivia, including the landmark psu football 2008 bowl victory.

  2. Identify Legendary Players -

    Identify Nittany Lions greats and their signature plays to deepen your understanding of Penn State football questions.

  3. Analyze Trivia Challenges -

    Analyze psu football trivia prompts to sharpen your quiz-taking skills and improve accuracy under time pressure.

  4. Assess Football Knowledge -

    Assess your grasp of penn state football questions spanning seasons, rosters, and records to measure your fan expertise.

  5. Strengthen Fan Expertise -

    Strengthen your status as a devoted supporter by engaging with penn state nittany lions quiz content and mastering key facts.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Historic Roots of Penn State Football and the Nittany Lion Mascot -

    The Penn State Nittany Lions football program kicked off in 1887, with the Nittany Lion mascot roaring to life in 1907 to embody school spirit (source: Penn State University archives). Use the mnemonic "Eighty-seven field, seven lion" to link the program's start and mascot debut. This foundational trivia fact is a staple in any Penn State Nittany Lions quiz or penn state trivia challenge.

  2. Joe Paterno's Record-Breaking Coaching Career -

    Joe Paterno amassed 409 wins from 1966 - 2011, making him the winningest coach in FBS history at retirement (source: NCAA official records). Use the phrase "4-0-9: Paterno's prime" to recall his 409 victories. This penn state trivia gem is likely to appear in any Penn State trivia challenge.

  3. The Iconic "Celebration Punt" vs. Iowa (2005) -

    In a 2005 showdown, the Nittany Lions stunned 10th-ranked Iowa 6-4 when Joe Paterno called a surprise punt that caught the Hawkeyes off-guard (source: College Football Research Center). Recall "Punt-Surprise 2K5" to pin down the year and play. This memorable 6-4 scoreline is a classic question in PSU football trivia.

  4. PSU Football 2008: Rose Bowl Triumph -

    The 2008 Penn State Nittany Lions finished 11-2 and claimed a 38-24 victory over USC in the Rose Bowl, marking a signature win for the program (source: ESPN College Football Encyclopedia). A quick jingle - "'08 Rose, eights froze" - helps lock in the year and bowl result. This fact is a cornerstone of PSU football 2008 trivia questions.

  5. Legendary NFL Stars from Penn State -

    Penn State has sent over 400 players to the NFL, including Hall of Famers Jack Ham and Mike Munchak (source: Pro Football Hall of Fame). Remember "Penn State's Mighty 400+ HOF" to capture the volume and fame. This fun fact often pops up in Penn State football questions and trivia rounds.

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