Overview

• Penn State opens Aug. 30 against Nevada ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, with Oregon on Sept. 27 and Ohio State on Nov. 1 viewed as key measuring sticks.
• Quarterback Drew Allar returns with 15 starters as Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant delayed NFL entry to chase the program’s first national title since 1986.
• James Franklin hired defensive coordinator Jim Knowles away from Ohio State to lead a defense stocked with experience after the Buckeyes’ championship season.
• The offense adds transfer receivers Kyron Hudson, Devonte Ross and Trebor Peña under second-year coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, with center Nick Dawkins anchoring a veteran line.
• External pressure intensified as CBS analyst Damien Harris called 2025 title-or-bust, Stewart Mandel predicted a Big Ten crown, Chris Vannini ranked Penn State No. 1, and Franklin acknowledged fan frustration after last season’s semifinal exit.