Report: Penn State and Temple in Discussions for Series Renewal in 2026-2027

In the most exciting news of the day, it appears that Penn State and Temple might actually be close to agreeing to a home-and-home series in 2026 and 2027, according to Marc Narducci.

In the report, Barbour is quoted as saying that Penn State has been “talking to [Temple officials],” while Narducci goes as far as to say that the deal is “expected to be completed.”

Here’s the thing about this series potentially being renewed: it’s dumb. The only rivalry that Penn State and Temple should have should be between the students who see each other the Wednesday over Thanksgiving break back home in Delco. There, the Temple student argues how amazing it is to be in a city for college — “It’s so much fun going into a Center City bar and paying $9.50 for a single vodka-soda,” she says. Meanwhile, the Penn State student is insufferable about all things Happy Valley — “Uh, did you know I was at a daylong with Saquon Barkley last weekend,” she brags.

But on the football field? Nah, we’re good. The whole idea of a home-and-home is to drum up interest on a national level (Auburn) or, at the very least, within the fan base (West Virginia). Temple does neither. No one cares about the game nationally, and even for the Philadelphia-based Penn State alumni — do they really need to see the Nittany Lions in Philly? Like, it’s 2018. Every game is on TV. And if (completely made up person) Jack Lawn from King of Prussia wants to see Penn State in person, then get in a car and drive to State College, it’s only 3 hours away.

Let’s use the home-and-home for something different. How about Colorado? How about Stanford? How about Arkansas? How about NC State? How about Kansas State? Give me something new, something fun. Playing Temple for the 12th and 13th time this century is the complete opposite of that.