According to a report from Action Network’s Brett McMurphy, NBC prefers to televise Penn State football’s matchups against Illinois on September 28 and Wisconsin on October 26 on its primetime slate.

Penn State’s first two games against West Virginia on August 31 and Bowling Green on September 7 were announced as noon kickoffs last week. It was also revealed that the home matchup against the Fighting Illini would begin late in the afternoon or evening.

NBC’s preference adds to the dialogue surrounding Penn State’s potential White Out opponent. The Nittany Lions typically play the White Out during the 7:30 p.m. time slot and have no guarantee that the likes of Ohio State, Washington, and others will be given that late kickoff time by broadcasters.

The Nittany Lions host Illinois for the first time since 2021 when they lost 20-18 in nine overtimes. Similarly, Penn State will travel to Wisconsin for the first time since 2021 when James Franklin’s team defeated the Badgers 16-10.