We all know the recent struggles of Penn State football.
Two straight losses, one of which to a then-winless UCLA team, have fans upset and wondering if it’s even worth it to continue showing up for games.
So, two of our staffers debated the case: Should Penn State football fans still prioritize and go to games despite the state of the program?
Ben Rosenbaum: No
From unrivaled to unranked, the falloff of the 2025 Penn State football team has been the worst falloff since, well quite honestly, last year. And the year before that. And the year before that. And the year before that.
This one absolutely stings because of all the offseason hype we had going for us since January. Three new wide receivers in the portal. Retaining both running backs. Jim Knowles. Preseason No. 2.
I thought I’d be storming the field, smoking a cigar with my dad on the 50-yard line after beating Oregon in the whiteout. Instead, it was another quiet walk back out of Beaver Stadium. My heart already ripped out, salt was added to the wound when we failed to beat, arguably, the worst Power 4 football team in the history of Power 4 football.
Folks, I’m onto next year. Let’s just put a bow on this one, wrap things up amicably, and move on. With that said, it’s not even worth it to keep going to the games this year. I’d rather go out to the tailgate lots and have fun with my friends than watch another stagnant football team, drowned out with “Fire Franklin” chants.
It’s already a bad look when the team doesn’t perform, but it’s worse when the fans there are jeering against their head coach. Why go into a game if it’ll just be filled with boos anyway?
Michael Siroty: Yes
Now is when Penn State football needs fans the most. Whether you like James Franklin or not, Drew Allar or not, Andy Kotelnicki or not, it doesn’t matter. Keep showing up.
First, for students, we only have a maximum of eight games per year. Don’t waste those opportunities to skip going to the game and do something else. Go spend time with your friends in an iconic stadium for the limited time you have.
For anyone else, now’s not the time to abandon ship. I understand the frustration. I have it, too. You don’t have to support the team, but you should support the program. Don’t make Penn State football seem like a mid-tier Big Ten program just because of two losses. Plus, it’s not too late.
Last year, Ohio State lost to Oregon and an unranked team. The Buckeyes went on to win the national championship. This year, Penn State has lost to Oregon and an unranked team. There’s still time, and there’s still hope.
Fans, keep these guys going by showing up.
Posts from the all-student staff of Onward State.