The Zeitgeist List · rivalries
Keystone Classic
See both programs’ full 91-year Zeitgeist History, side by side →1 player crossed straight to the rival since 2021 — the turncoat ledger →
Penn State leads the all-time series 52–43–4. They've met 99 times since 1896. Penn State has won the last 3.
Stature & the series, 1896–2019
Both programs’ standing over time in their colors, with every meeting beneath — read down to see who was bigger and who won.
all-time
43–52–4
Penn State leads
streak
3
Penn State in a row
longest run
14
Pittsburgh
biggest win
59
Penn State, 1903
first met
1896
99 meetings
biggest crowd
109,898
2017
The coaching duels
John Michelosen vs Rip Engle5–5–1
Jackie Sherrill vs Joe Paterno2–3
Charles Bowser vs Bob Higgins1–3
Carl DePasqua vs Joe Paterno0–4
Johnny Majors vs Joe Paterno1–3
Foge Fazio vs Joe Paterno1–2–1
The draft ledger
Every NFL Draft pick either program has produced since the modern era began, decade by decade.
draft picks
143–258
Penn State leads
1st-rounders
24–40
since
1967
first CFBD-carried draft class
1960s3–8
1970s19–45
1980s36–48
1990s15–33
2000s27–38
2010s21–40
2020s22–46
Best picks, either side
1995Ki-Jana Carter Running BackRd 1, pick 1#1 overall
2000Courtney Brown Defensive EndRd 1, pick 1#1 overall
1977Tony Dorsett Running BackRd 1, pick 2#2 overall
1985Bill Fralic Offensive TackleRd 1, pick 2#2 overall
1990Blair Thomas Running BackRd 1, pick 2#2 overall
2000LaVar Arrington LinebackerRd 1, pick 2#2 overall
1992Sean Gilbert Defensive TackleRd 1, pick 3#3 overall
Recent meetings
2019Penn State17–10
2018Penn State51–6
2017Penn State33–14
2016Pittsburgh42–39
2000Pittsburgh12–0
1999Penn State20–17
1998Penn State20–13
1997Penn State34–17
1992Penn State57–13
1991Penn State32–20
1990Penn State22–17
1989Penn State16–13
1988Pittsburgh14–7
1987Pittsburgh10–0