Is Penn State a College Football Blue Blood? The Case for the Nittany Lions
In college football, elite programs known as “bluebloods” are defined by their sustained success, dominance, and prestige. So, where does Penn State Football land?
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Blueblood status is determined by a combination of historical achievements and recent performance, factoring in key metrics such as total bowl appearances, conference championships, national titles, and Heisman Trophy winners.
Penn State ranks among the top 10 all-time in winning percentage, total wins, bowl victories, and NFL draft selections.
While the Nittany Lions officially claim two national championships—both in the 1980s—they boast 13 undefeated seasons. Many argue that the 1994 team, which finished unbeaten and dominated Oregon in the Rose Bowl, should have been recognized as national champions, which would–hypothetically, bring their title count to three.
One of the biggest arguments against Penn State’s blue blood status is a perceived lack of recent success.
Penn State Football Breaking Through to Elite?
However, the Nittany Lions have won nine bowl games since 2000, despite enduring a two-year bowl ban. They have appeared in a bowl in nine of the last ten seasons, including six New Year’s Six games.
Over the last three seasons, Penn State has won 34 games—the most in any three-year stretch in program history. While they haven’t captured a national championship in that span, they’ve remained highly competitive, suffering just eight losses by an average of eight points. Those losses came against opponents with an average ranking of 3.8.
Furthermore, some universally recognized blue bloods have also struggled for sustained dominance in the modern era. Oklahoma has won just one national championship since 2000. Notre Dame, often regarded as a blue blood, last won a national title just two years after Penn State’s second championship. Before their recent two-game playoff run, the Fighting Irish had not won a New Year’s Six bowl since 1993.
While opinions on Penn State’s blue blood status may vary, their historical consistency and recent success make a compelling case.
If the Nittany Lions find themselves once again a national champion in Miami, the program would absolutely become a top-tier Blue Blood and unquestionably be enshrined with the greats.
