UNIVERSITY PARK
Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith wore a large, blue pin Saturday night in honor of Joe Paterno, a legend with whom the university has had a complicated relationship.
Smith played under Paterno as a wide receiver from 1987-1991. He said during his postgame press conference, after a dominant 37-10 win over Nebraska, that he’s proud of his roots and wanted to acknowledge the longtime coach.
He wore a pin that read “JOE” vertically and “409” horizontally from before the game until afterward. That number signifies Paterno’s number of PSU coaching wins, which remains an FBS record.
“You know, I’ve always acknowledged Joe Paterno,” Smith said. “I wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t coached me and taught me. So I’m acknowledging him. We had a lot of lettermen here tonight (in) invaluable positions — Michael Robinson is on the NBC crew; there’s other lettermen that are all over that showed up today.
“It was just an acknowledgment that I’m proud I’ve been taught by one of the greatest to ever do it.”
Penn State interim coach Terry Smith high-fives players after a play during the game against Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at Beaver Stadium. Smith wore a pin that said “409” and “Joe” to acknowledge Joe Paterno. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Paterno remains a controversial figure in Happy Valley and beyond. Some see him as the coach who emphasized academics as much as athletics and as someone who should be celebrated for building Penn State into a powerhouse. Others believe he’ll be forever sullied for his connection to Jerry Sandusky, his former defensive coordinator who was convicted of child sex abuse.
The university unceremoniously fired Paterno for that connection in November 2011. Since then, the university has erased some memories — such as removing Paterno’s statue outside Beaver Stadium and rebranding the “Joegies” hoagie shop on campus — while keeping his name on the Pattee and Paterno Library. He was also honored in a video tribute played in Beaver Stadium in 2016, and the hockey team wore a “409” helmet sticker for a game in 2015.
Smith has been part of Penn State’s coaching staff since former coach James Franklin brought him on as a cornerbacks coach in 2014. He was promoted to interim head coach earlier this year after Franklin was fired Oct. 12 after suffering his third straight loss despite preseason national title hopes.
Saturday might’ve been the Nittany Lions’ most complete game yet this season. And it might’ve been the last time Smith serves as a coach inside Beaver Stadium.
The win, on Senior Day, was Penn State’s final home game of the 2025 season. It’ll next take on Rutgers on the road.
Penn State interim coach Terry Smith talks with the referees about a call during the game against Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at Beaver Stadium. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Josh Moyer
Centre Daily Times
Josh Moyer earned his B.A. in journalism from Penn State and his M.S. from Columbia. He’s been involved in sports and news writing for nearly 20 years. He counts the best athlete he’s ever seen as Tecmo Super Bowl’s Bo Jackson.
