INDIANAPOLIS — Ohio State has faced Penn State in each season since the longtime independent joined the Big Ten in 1993. That is changing soon. The league’s elimination of divisions next year, accompanying expansion to 16 teams with the addition of Southern California and UCLA as members, will wipe away the annual grudge match between the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions. Only Michigan is set as a protected rival for Ohio State. Under a new scheduling format introduced last month for the division-less era, the Buckeyes are due to visit Penn State in 2024, but no meeting will be held the following season. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said he signed off on not protecting Penn State as a rival. A willingness to leave the conference’s schedule makers with more flexibility outweighed any desire to preserve another yearly rivalry. Oct 29, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback…
Continue Reading: Why Penn State won't be protected as an annual rival for Ohio State football
