Overview

• An AP preseason No. 2 ranking follows a CFP semifinal loss, with quarterback Drew Allar and 15 starters back after delaying NFL plans.
• James Franklin hired former Ohio State coordinator Jim Knowles to lead the defense and supplemented the roster with targeted transfers like Trebor Peña, Devonte Ross and Kyron Hudson.
• CBS Sports analyst Damien Harris issued a public ultimatum, saying failure to win the national championship this season should trigger calls to fire Franklin.
• Forecasts from Stewart Mandel and Chris Vannini project Penn State as a Big Ten favorite and a national title threat based on depth and experience.
• Franklin acknowledged fan frustration, said he sought advice from Nick Saban, and pointed to staff championship experience as Penn State opens Aug. 30 vs. Nevada with early showdowns against Oregon (Sept. 27) and Ohio State (Nov. 1).