College Football and COVID-19: What the Future Holds

## Overview Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, is a major public research university and Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution. It is renowned for its comprehensive mission of teaching, research, and public service, aiming to “improve the lives of the people of Pennsylvania, the nation, and the world through integrated, high-quality programs in teaching, research, and service”[5]. Penn State’s main campus is located in University Park, with 19 branch campuses across the state, a medical school in Hershey, a law school in Dickinson, and additional specialized institutions[5]. The university offers a broad range of degrees—associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional—as well as continuing education programs[5]. ## History Founded in 1855 as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania, Penn State’s origins reflect its commitment to practical education[1][2]. The institution was established with a 200-acre land donation from James Irvin and was initially focused on applying scientific principles to farming[1][3]. It was renamed the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania in 1862 and became the state’s land-grant college following the passage of the Morrill Act in 1863[2][3]. Under the leadership of President George W. Atherton in the 1880s, the curriculum expanded to include engineering, the sciences, liberal arts, and more, aligning with the broader mandate of land-grant institutions[1][2]. The university’s name changed to Pennsylvania State College in 1874 and finally to Pennsylvania State University in 1953[2][3]. ## Key Achievements Penn State has a long tradition of innovation in education and research. It was among the first institutions to integrate cooperative extension and outreach programs in the early 1900s, extending its academic influence statewide[1]. The university’s engineering program quickly became one of the ten largest in the nation[

## Overview The **Nittany Lions** are the athletic teams representing Pennsylvania State University, competing primarily in NCAA Division I as a member of the Big Ten Conference[2]. The exception is the women’s basketball team, known as the Lady Lions. The program’s distinctive blue and white colors and the Nittany Lion mascot are instantly recognizable, reflecting a tradition that dates back to the 19th century[2]. ## What the Organization Does Penn State Athletics encompasses 31 varsity sports, fielding teams in nearly every major collegiate sport, including football, basketball, wrestling, hockey, and more[2]. The organization not only competes at the highest level of college sports but also emphasizes academic excellence, producing both professional athletes and successful graduates. The Nittany Lion Club serves as the philanthropic arm, raising funds to support scholarships, medical care, academic support, and state-of-the-art facilities for over 850 student-athletes[3][4]. As of 2025, the club has approximately 20,000 members, whose donations are vital since the athletics program receives no state or university funding for operating expenses[4]. ## History and Key Achievements Penn State’s football program, established in 1887, is one of the most storied in college football history, known for its passionate fanbase and iconic traditions like the “White Out” at Beaver Stadium, which draws over 100,000 fans[1]. The university joined the Big Ten in 1991 and has since won 124 conference championships (92 regular season, 32 tournament)[2]. Penn State has consistently ranked in the top 25 of the NACDA Directors’ Cup, a measure of overall athletic success, finishing as high as third nationally in 1998–99[2]. The wrestling program, supported by the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club, has produced numerous Olympic and world champions, further elevating the university’s athletic reputation[5]. ## Current Status