Despite the crushing end to the 2024 season, Penn State Football has plenty to look forward to in 2025.
Several analysts have Penn State ranked No. 1 in the nation entering next season, while many others have them at least in the top 3.
But, can head coach James Franklin and this Nittany Lions team finally rid themselves of their demons? Here are three reasons why this is their year.
New Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles
Penn State has really struggled against Ohio State in recent years.
In fact, Ohio State has won eight straight in the series, which is the longest streak between the two teams. After actually winning, the sweetest thing is revenge. Step 1 in the revenge game was stealing Ohio State’s defensive coordinator who just played a key role in a national championship.
Jim Knowles is an incredible coordinator, but he also knows Ohio State and Ryan Day. That gives Penn State a distinct advantage come November 1st and that’s step 2.
Everyone says James Franklin can’t win a big game or beat Ohio State. The best thing he can do is surround himself with guys who can and have, and he’s done just that with this hiring. The price is high, but it’s worth it (hopefully).
Drew Allar’s Growth
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3 Reasons Penn State Football Will Win The National Championship in 2025
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3 Reasons Penn State Football Will Win The National Championship in 2025
Originally posted on Nittany Central | By Ethan Johnson | Last updated Feb 1, 2025 10:51 AM ET
Despite the crushing end to the 2024 season, Penn State Football has plenty to look forward to in 2025.
Several analysts have Penn State ranked No. 1 in the nation entering next season, while many others have them at least in the top 3.
But, can head coach James Franklin and this Nittany Lions team finally rid themselves of their demons? Here are three reasons why this is their year.
New Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles
Penn State has really struggled against Ohio State in recent years.
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In fact, Ohio State has won eight straight in the series, which is the longest streak between the two teams. After actually winning, the sweetest thing is revenge. Step 1 in the revenge game was stealing Ohio State’s defensive coordinator who just played a key role in a national championship.
Jim Knowles is an incredible coordinator, but he also knows Ohio State and Ryan Day. That gives Penn State a distinct advantage come November 1st and that’s step 2.
Everyone says James Franklin can’t win a big game or beat Ohio State. The best thing he can do is surround himself with guys who can and have, and he’s done just that with this hiring. The price is high, but it’s worth it (hopefully).
Drew Allar’s Growth
Penn State Football, Drew Allar Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images)
Over the last three seasons, Drew Allar’s stats have continued to skyrocket.
In his freshman year, Allar only played a handful of snaps but completed 58% of his passes and had a 4:0 TD:INT ratio. His overall rating for the year was 128.5. Then in 2023, he had a TD:INT ratio of 25:2 and threw for 2,631 yards for a rating of 136.9. His completion percentage didn’t move much, with an increase of just 1.6%.
But in 2024, that completion percentage jumped to 66.5% as he threw for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns to 8 interceptions. His rating on the season was 153.5.
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