State College
Today
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Sizzling Bites Halal Grill, a fast casual restaurant from a growing regional chain, will open at 129 S. Pugh St. downtown, though the opening date is not yet set (updates will be posted on Instagram). StateCollege.com
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, First Night State College transforms downtown with an alcohol-free, family-focused celebration featuring over 80 ice sculptures, live carving from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a Resolution Run 5K starting at 6:30 p.m. along College Avenue & Allen Street. StateCollege.com
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Penn State freshman quarterback Bekkem Kritza announced his plan to enter the transfer portal after a season of limited play and injuries. The 6 ft 5 in signal caller has four years of eligibility remaining and had been behind Drew Allar and other backups in the Nittany Lions lineup. Onward State
- ➤ Former Penn State players posted new stats at their new schools this season. Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula, Washington receiver Omari Evans, and others registered key achievements on the field + each now faces fresh challenges in upcoming matchups. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Freshman phenom Gavin McKenna scored a hat trick against Denmark on Monday at the World Juniors to earn a spot on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays (7 points in 3 games); he will face Finland at 8:30 p.m. today. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State TE Andrew Rappleyea announced his return for the 2026 season, joining offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh. Rappleyea scored game-sealing touchdowns in his final three games and posted 180 career yards after missing most of his redshirt freshman year due to injury (Massachusetts native). Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State football will retain special teams coordinator Justin Lustig through 2026 after head coach Matt Campbell decided to keep him on staff in Happy Valley. Lustig, who coached All-Big Ten players last season, has bolstered the team's special teams unit. Onward State
- ➤ Several key players have announced they will return for the 2026 season at Penn State, promising continued depth amid roster changes. Returning players include offensive linemen Cousins, Donkoh, and Aliciene (each slated for increased roles) and tight end Rappleyea, known for his blocking and receiving skills. StateCollege.com
- ➤ After the Pinstripe Bowl win, Penn State enters a new era under Matt Campbell as he weighs starting quarterback options including Grunkemeyer + Becht while finalizing his coaching staff and scouting key transfer targets. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State announced that Justin Lustig will be retained as special teams coordinator on Matt Campbell's staff. He led a strong near-perfect 2025 unit that earned a Broyles Award nomination, and his additional coaching duties are yet to be determined. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State Football’s Transfer Portal will officially open at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2 and close at 11:59 p.m. Jan. 16 + fewer than 10 players have already filed their intentions. Officials expect increased activity + student-athletes to meet recruiting staff as they submit transfer notifications. StateCollege.com
- ➤ Multiple Penn State players have announced plans to transfer after a challenging season, and the portal will open Jan. 2 to welcome incoming players who are expected to fill key roster roles. StateCollege.com
- ➤ Kaytron Allen, Penn State's all-time leading rusher, declared on Tuesday via Instagram his intent to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. He became the first to reach 4,000 rushing yards this season, totaling 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Penn State running back Kaytron Allen declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Tuesday, ending his college career as the school’s all-time leading rusher with 4,180 yards + he set national records during his four seasons with the Nittany Lions. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State freshman quarterback Bekkem Kritza (6-foot-5, redshirted) will enter the transfer portal after missing part of the season due to injury and backing up injured starters. His move could shift the team’s quarterback depth as the season progresses. Daily Collegian
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Penn State Wrestling vs. Rutgers
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Rec Hall — Ticket prices may vary — Catch the excitement as Penn State takes on Rutgers in a thrilling wrestling match.
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UCLA Bruins vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Basketball
8:30-10:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting clash of two powerhouse college basketball teams.
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Skorts Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — Ticket prices available — Enjoy live music featuring SKORTS and their catchy tunes.
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Anna Pearl Performance
6-8 p.m. — The Lodge at Tussey Mountain — Tickets available — Enjoy an intimate evening of music with local singer/songwriter Anna Pearl.
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Big Lazy Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — From $11.99 — Experience two decades of noir and twang music from New York's underground scene.
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Minnesota Golden Gophers at Penn State Nittany Lions Women's Basketball
6-9 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting women's basketball showdown between the Gophers and Nittany Lions.
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Jason Aldean Concert
6:00-9:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Tickets available — Experience an inspiring night of country music with Jason Aldean and Nate Smith.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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