Penn State football has watched its Big Ten rivals, Michigan and Ohio State, win back-to-back national championships while they remained on the sidelines. The Nittany Lions came painfully close to a title opportunity last season, falling just three points short of a College Football Playoff berth after losing to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.
Head coach James Franklin believes that the heartbreak will fuel his team’s hunger in 2025, emphasizing that returning players have experienced what it takes to compete at the highest level and will be even more determined.
The blueprint for success is clear, and Penn State is mirroring the strategies that led Michigan and Ohio State to recent championships. Both teams prioritized retaining key veterans, reinforcing their rosters through the transfer portal, and fostering a culture built around experienced upperclassmen.
Michigan used this approach to go undefeated in 2023, while Ohio State followed a similar path in 2024 with a mix of returning talent and key transfers. If Penn State can replicate this formula, it has a strong case as one of the most complete teams heading into the 2025 season.
Drew Allar and Key Returnees Lead Penn State’s Quest for a Championship
Penn State has already secured commitments from several key players to return for another year, setting the foundation for a title run. Quarterback Drew Allar, running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and defensive leaders like Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zane Durant, and Zakee Wheatley headline a strong returning core.
Drew Allar (NFL)These players have expressed their determination to finish what they started, believing they were on the cusp of greatness last season. Their experience and leadership will be crucial in the pursuit of a championship.
Penn State’s offense is expected to be driven by its dominant rushing attack, led by Singleton and Allen behind an experienced offensive line. The biggest question mark remains the passing game, particularly whether Allar can perform at an elite level in crucial matchups. Last season, he struggled against top defenses like Ohio State and Notre Dame, failing to throw a touchdown in either game. If Penn State is to win a title, Allar must take a step forward and prove he can deliver under pressure.
Revamping the Passing Game as Penn State Searches for Reliable Receiving Threats
A key challenge for Penn State in 2025 will be establishing dependable receiving targets. With star tight end Tyler Warren departing for the NFL and Trey Wallace and Omari Evans transferring out, the receiver group faces uncertainty.
Transfers Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross have potential, but it is unclear whether they can strengthen the passing attack. In recent years, championship teams have relied on elite receiving corps to support their quarterbacks—Penn State must assess whether its roster can provide the same level of production.
Defensively, Penn State has the tools to dominate, especially with the addition of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator, who helped Ohio State win a championship.
The team boasts strength at all three levels, complementing an offense that features a powerful run game and veteran leadership. However, coaching and in-game execution will be the ultimate test. If Franklin cannot guide this talented roster to a title, questions will arise about whether he ever will. The 2025 season presents a golden opportunity—now, Penn State must seize it.
