This offseason has been monumental for Penn State athletics across the board, proven by significant investments in new facilities, highly rated transfers and recruits, and high-profile coaching hires.
Blue and white faithful may be spoiled even further with more groundbreaking news in the coming days. Speculation online hints at a potential outdoor hockey game between the Nittany Lions and Michigan State at Beaver Stadium. It’s predicted to be a clash of the Big Ten college hockey titans.
If true, this event combines multimillion-dollar renovations on the football side and generational recruits on the hockey side to put on a show at State College that has never been seen before.
Could we possibly see a top 5 matchup between Penn State and Michigan State Hockey at Beaver Stadium this winter? 👀 #WeAre #HockeyValley #BeaverStadium pic.twitter.com/RXexiYe9iy
— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) August 26, 2025
This rumor has been circulating for a short time now, yet Jess Myers of the Pioneer Press in Minnesota reported soon that he had confirmation.
Penn State men’s hockey rumors circulate regarding an outdoor game against Michigan State
Myers claimed this game is set for a Sunday, Feb 1st matchup against the Spartans.
This also makes one of two regular-season Sunday games for the Nittany Lions with 12 days separating it from their next contest at Michigan.
It's worth noting that Penn State also has not yet announced its promotional schedule for 2025-26. However, if it faces Michigan State, February is an ideal time for the White Out game, following last season's schedule that hosted a White Out in February as well.
The Michigan State matchup was already one of the most anticipated due to the outlooks for both squads this season.
The Spartans finished with the most points in the Big Ten last season and only got stronger this offseason with the addition of incoming freshman Porter Martone arriving from Canada. Martone was the No. 6 overall selection of the 2025 NHL Draft. Michigan State and Martone will enter into Happy Valley with massive momentum in the Penn State’s favor, especially if the outdoor contest is slated for a White Out.
Penn State men's hockey enters the 2025-26 season with a high ceiling
A lot of this buzz comes from the highly talented class of transfers Penn State brought in, including the 2026 NHL projected No. 1 selection Gavin McKenna.
With these talented rosters, Penn State currently sits as the DraftKings favorite to win the National Championship in 2025 (+500).
However, the Spartans follow closely behind with the next-best odds (+600).
All offseason hype will culminate when the puck drops and the season embarks. Anticipation for what is in store is at an all-time high, and Beaver Stadium the perfect venue for displaying the excitement.
An announcement about the outdoor game at Beaver Stadium is expected to release soon and promotional schedules will follow shortly after.