SMU Billionaires, Private Jets Diverted Before Penn State Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Dec 21, 2024 5:31 PM ET

Several big-time SMU boosters and alumni weren't able to attend kickoff of the Mustangs' College Football Playoff matchup against Penn State on Saturday after their private jets were diverted away from the State College Regional Airport, per Mike Craven of Texas Football

More than 20 private jets departed from Texas to SCE, the small airport's code identifier. Unfortunately, most of the planes were rerouted to Williamsport Regional Airport in nearby Montoursville, Pennsylvania.

Passengers included Bill and Liz Armstrong, members of SMU Board of Trustees and third-generation Mustangs. Former sports commentator Craig James and golf pro Bryson DeChambeau were also part of the group of SMU fans who were more than hour late to the game.

Several jets carrying SMU donors were diverted from the State College airport to Williamsport. They’re in a shuttle (party bus!) en route to the game & will arrive an hour after kick.

Photo by donor Bill Armstrong (bottom left). There's Craig James on right, drink cup raised. pic.twitter.com/p8zyL8EXAg
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 21, 2024

State College Regional Airport, the small airport in Benner Township, Pennsylvania has one active runway, is owned and operated by Penn State and serves United Express and American Eagle, regional branches of United and American Airlines.

In October, Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin discussed how the airport wasn't large enough to accommodate the school's trips to Los Angeles for games against USC.

“I think we have to discuss increasing the size of the runway here and the size of the airport for a lot of reasons,” Franklin said.

SMU lost 38-10 to Penn State. The Nittany Lions will face Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on December 31.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: