Penn State football to end 32-year relationship in bold move that will have Nittany Lion fans scratching their heads
After partnering with Nike as their apparel provider for 32 years, the Penn State Nittany Lions will become an Adidas school in the upcoming seasons. This is a return to Adidas after three-plus decades, and follows the Tennessee Volunteers as a recently announced and unexpected move from a major college football power. Nike had a […]
After partnering with Nike as their apparel provider for 32 years, the Penn State Nittany Lions will become an Adidas school in the upcoming seasons. This is a return to Adidas after three-plus decades, and follows the Tennessee Volunteers as a recently announced and unexpected move from a major college football power. Nike had a vice grip on uniforms and merch for years, but the free market is opening for new money and revenue.
On3 originally reported that Penn State’s change is in its final stages: “Penn State will switch from Nike to Adidas, pending approval from the school’s Board of Trustees,” McMurphy said. “Penn State’s been a Nike school since 1993.”
Penn State Switches From Nike to Adidas
In 1993, Penn State inked a deal with Nike as it joined the Big Ten, kicking off an era of success with four conference titles and four Rose Bowl appearances, two of which ended in victories. Now, as the 2025 college football season unfolds, reports suggest the Nittany Lions might switch to Adidas, pending approval from the university’s Board of Trustees. If finalized, Adidas will aim to see Penn State replicate its storied achievements in this new chapter of the apparel industry.
Head coach James Franklin faces sky-high expectations this season. After reaching the College Football Playoff semifinal last year, fans in Happy Valley are hungry for more—a national championship is firmly in their sights.
The season opened on a strong note with a comfortable victory over Nevada in Week 1, setting a confident tone. The Nittany Lions are expected to dominate their next two home games against FIU and Villanova, entering as overwhelming favorites.
However, the schedule ramps up quickly with a grueling nine-game Big Ten slate. A standout matchup comes early when the Oregon Ducks visit State College for only the second time ever, and the first since 1964. This clash with Dan Lanning’s squad will serve as a critical early test for Franklin’s team.
Another marquee game looms on November 1 against Ohio State, a perennial highlight in the Big Ten. Penn State aims to flip the script in this rivalry, making it one of the most anticipated showdowns of the 2025 season.
