ESPN’s latest Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings for the 2025 college football season have elevated the Penn State Nittany Lions to the No. 1 spot, a significant leap from their previous No. 3 position. This shift comes after the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes experienced substantial roster turnover, including the departure of key players and both coordinators to the NFL draft .(ESPN.com)
Penn State’s Ascendancy
Under the leadership of head coach James Franklin, Penn State achieved a historic 13–3 record in 2024, marking their first-ever 13-win season. The Nittany Lions secured their first Big Ten Championship appearance since 2016, although they were defeated by Oregon. They then advanced to the College Football Playoff, defeating SMU and Boise State before narrowly losing to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl .(Wikipedia)
Key Returnees and Additions
The 2025 season looks promising with the return of quarterback Drew Allar, who passed for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2024. Running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton also return, providing a formidable backfield. Allar’s development as a downfield passer will be crucial for the offense’s success.(ESPN.com, SI)
The receiving corps has been bolstered through the transfer portal with the additions of Trebor Pena from Syracuse, Devonte Ross from Troy, and Kyron Hudson from USC. These players aim to address the team’s previous struggles in the passing game, highlighted by a lack of receptions in a close loss to Notre Dame .(ESPN.com)
Defensive Overhaul
A significant change on the defensive side is the hiring of Jim Knowles as the new defensive coordinator. Knowles previously led Ohio State’s defense to a national championship and brings a wealth of experience to the role. Despite the loss of standout players like Abdul Carter and Kobe King, the defense retains key contributors such as Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zakee Wheatley, and A.J. Harris. Knowles’s ability to maximize the talents of these players will be pivotal in maintaining the defense’s high standards .(ESPN.com, ESPN.com)
Outlook for 2025
With a balanced offense and a revamped defense, Penn State is poised to contend for a national championship. The team’s schedule includes a notable home game against Oregon and a challenging road trip to Ohio State, which will test their mettle early in the season .(SI)
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Nittany Lions to see if they can capitalize on their momentum and deliver a championship-caliber performance.