Overview

• Penn State opens Aug. 30 vs. Nevada ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, with a White Out rematch vs. Oregon on Sept. 27 and a Nov. 1 trip to Ohio State looming.
• Quarterback Drew Allar returns with 15 starters after several veterans, including Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, delayed the NFL to chase a championship.
• Franklin hired Jim Knowles away from Ohio State to run a defense that already had depth, as the offense enters Year 2 under Andy Kotelnicki with WR transfers Trebor Peña, Devonte Ross and Kyron Hudson.
• CBS analyst Damien Harris labeled this season championship-or-bust for Franklin, citing a 1-15 mark vs. AP Top 5 teams and a 1-9 record against Ohio State.
• Franklin acknowledged fan frustration and said he sought advice from Nick Saban, while national analysts such as Stewart Mandel and Chris Vannini predict a Big Ten title push.