The Penn State Nittany Lions have built a remarkable tradition in college athletics. From football dominance to the growth of Penn State Nittany Lions basketball, the program reflects excellence and passion. The famous Nittany Lions mascot stands as a symbol of pride, inspiring fans and athletes across generations with a powerful legacy of achievement.
College Sports Established
1887
Location
State College, Pennsylvania
College Name
Pennsylvania State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1907 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1991 – Present / Big 10 Conference
1976 – 1979, 1982 - 1991 / Atlantic 10 Conference
1892 - 1975 / Independent
1891 / Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Football Association
1887 - 1890 / Independent
Nickname
Nittany Lions - The Penn State Nittany Lions have been a powerhouse in college football for decades, and their nickname is just as iconic as the team itself. But where did this name come from? As it turns out, the origins of the “Nittany Lion” moniker date back to 1904 when Joe Mason, then-editor of Penn State's student newspaper, The Daily Collegian, suggested that "Nittany" be used to describe a mountain lion that was found near Mount Nittany in Centre County.
Penn State Nittany Lions Origin
At first glance, one might think this creature would be called simply a "mountain lion," but according to legend, no mountain lions lived on or around Mount Nittany! Instead, people believed they had seen an eastern cougar - also known as an eastern puma - which had migrated up from Florida into Pennsylvania during those days. This unique species earned its particular name: The Nittany Lions!
Since then, much has changed about Penn State University and its sports teams, but one thing remains constant –– their beloved mascot and nickname: The mighty “Nitty Lions.” From cheering them on at games with chants like "We Are...Pennsylvania!" To see them represented proudly across campus with logos and merchandise, It's clear why so many fans feel such strong loyalty towards these powerful cats who represent strength & courage through adversity each season!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 2
1986, 1982
Soccer 0
- 1887
- 1911
- 1969
- 1986
- 2006
- 2017
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Penn State first football team is formed
Penn State Nittany Lions In 1887: The first football team is formed, coached by George Hoskins. The team plays its first game against Bucknell and wins 54–01. -
football team wins its first national championship
In 1911: The football team wins its first national championship, finishing with an 8–0–1 record and outscoring opponents 211–11. -
Nittany lions men’s soccer team makes its first appearance in the College Cup
In 1969: The men’s soccer team makes its first appearance in the College Cup, losing to San Francisco in the semifinals and Saint Louis in the third-place game. -
1986 National Champs – Nittany Lions
The 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season ended with Penn State winning the national championship. Coached by Joe Paterno, they defeated Miami (Fl) 14–10 in the Fiesta Bowl. This Fiesta Bowl was the first in the game’s history to decide the national championship, launching it into the top tier of bowls. Miami came into game #1 and Penn State #2. ... -
Nittany Lions in Big Ten championship
In 2006: The football team wins its third Big Ten championship with an 11–1 record and ranks third in the final AP poll. The team defeats Florida State 26–23 in triple overtime in the Orange Bowl. -
Nittany Lions’ Saquon Barkley
In the first game of the season against Akron, Barkley had 14 rushes for 172 yards, two touchdowns, and a long run of 80 yards. He also recorded 54 receiving yards on two catches. For his efforts, Barkley was named co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. In the 2017 Big Ten opener, the Nittany Lions visited the Iowa Hawkeyes. ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Penn State Nittany Lions History
The Penn State Nittany Lions have built one of the most recognized programs in NCAA history. Since their founding in 1887, the university has maintained a strong tradition of excellence across all sports. The famous Nittany Lions mascot represents this legacy of determination and pride, symbolizing the power and unity of the program for fans and student-athletes alike.
The Penn State Nittany Lions football program is especially celebrated, winning eight national championships, 48 conference titles, and producing four Heisman Trophy winners. Under legendary coach Joe Paterno, the team achieved two undefeated seasons and cemented its status as one of college football’s premier programs. Today, the program continues to thrive at the highest level of competition, making the Penn State Nittany Lions a national name in football.
Success also extends to Penn State Nittany Lions basketball, where the program has earned five NCAA Tournament appearances and multiple Final Four runs. The team remains a contender in the Big Ten, showing that basketball at Penn State is as competitive as football. This rise has strengthened the reputation of Penn State Nittany Lions basketball throughout the nation.
Beyond football and basketball, Penn State has secured over 20 national championships across multiple sports, including wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics, and track and field. The university’s athletic tradition reaches into both men’s and women’s sports, showcasing depth and achievement at every level. This history also highlights how the Nittany Lions mascot serves as a unifying figure for the entire athletic community.
Lions Achievements
The program’s achievements continue in recent years. The women’s basketball team under Coach Coquese Washington won back-to-back Big Ten Tournament titles in 2018 and 2019, adding to the long list of honors. Star athletes such as Saquon Barkley have brought national attention to the Penn State Nittany Lions with record-breaking performances, winning AP Player of the Year honors during his junior season.
Today, the Penn State Nittany Lions stand as one of the most respected names in college sports. With championship-caliber teams in football, a strong presence in Penn State Nittany Lions basketball, and a beloved Nittany Lions mascot that symbolizes pride and tradition, Penn State continues to inspire athletes and fans alike. Visitors to Happy Valley experience one of the most passionate sports atmospheres in the nation, proving that the spirit of the Penn State Nittany Lions endures for generations.
