JUST Now:Penn State’s balanced offense through two games, a young tight end growing up fast, more Updated . more details.

JUST Now:Penn State’s balanced offense through two games, a young tight end growing up fast, more Updated . more details.

JUST NOW: Penn State’s Balanced Offense Shines Through Two Games — A Young Tight End Grows Up Fast

Penn State has opened the 2025 college football season with two impressive victories, driven by a well-rounded offense, a maturing young quarterback, and the emergence of a freshman tight end who’s turning heads. Through two games, the Nittany Lions have shown that they are more than just a Big Ten contender — they might be playoff material. The blend of a dynamic rushing attack, efficient passing game, and breakout individual performances has made Penn State one of the most complete-looking teams early this season.

A Balanced Offensive Attack

The most striking element of Penn State’s early-season success is its offensive balance. In their opening two wins — a 34–13 season-opener against Syracuse and a 45–17 drubbing of Kent State — the Nittany Lions have averaged over 220 rushing yards and 240 passing yards per game. This 50-50 split has left defenses guessing and unable to key in on any single dimension of the offense.

Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, in his second season with the team, has crafted a game plan that emphasizes rhythm, pace, and unpredictability. Penn State has utilized multiple personnel packages, creative pre-snap motion, and play-action concepts that keep defenses on their heels.

Junior quarterback Drew Allar has taken another step forward in his development. The former five-star recruit has looked poised and confident in the pocket, completing 71% of his passes through two games, with 5 touchdowns and no interceptions. His connection with the wide receiving corps, particularly KeAndre Lambert-Smith and transfer Malik McClain, has been sharp and effective.

The Ground Game Returns to Form

The ground game, a traditional strength at Penn State, is also firing on all cylinders. Sophomore running back Nick Singleton and junior Kaytron Allen continue to deliver as one of the most dangerous backfield tandems in the country. Singleton’s explosiveness and Allen’s bruising style create a thunder-and-lightning effect that wears down opposing defenses.

So far, Singleton has rushed for 232 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Allen has added 188 yards and 2 scores of his own. The offensive line, anchored by senior Olu Fashanu, has opened holes consistently and has also given Allar the clean pockets needed to make throws downfield.

A Star Is Born: Freshman Tight End Josiah Wiggins

Perhaps the biggest revelation of the early season has been true freshman tight end Josiah Wiggins. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Georgia native was a high four-star recruit, but few expected him to make such a swift impact at the collegiate level.

In the opener against Syracuse, Wiggins caught 4 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown. Against Kent State, he upped the ante with 6 receptions for 88 yards, including a 32-yard seam route that showcased his speed and hands. He has quickly become a favorite target for Allar on third downs and red zone opportunities.

What sets Wiggins apart is not just his size and athleticism, but his football IQ. He’s already shown excellent awareness in finding soft spots in coverage and a willingness to block, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike.

Head coach James Franklin said after Saturday’s win, “Josiah has been mature beyond his years. He came in ready to work, ready to learn, and he’s playing like a veteran already. That’s rare for a true freshman, especially at a position as complex as tight end.”

Early Signs of a Championship-Caliber Offense

Though it’s still early in the season, the efficiency and diversity of the offense is reminiscent of Penn State’s 2016 and 2019 squads — teams that were explosive, creative, and capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. This year’s version may have an even higher ceiling due to the weapons at multiple positions and the continued growth of Allar under center.

Additionally, Penn State is yet to face its toughest competition — tests against Michigan, Ohio State, and Iowa loom on the horizon. But the way the team has executed, it’s clear the foundation is strong and the offensive identity is taking shape.

Looking Ahead

Next week, Penn State faces Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium — its first road game of the season and a serious test of the team’s poise. The Tigers will bring SEC speed and physicality, particularly in the trenches. It will be a chance for Allar and the offense to prove they can sustain success against top-tier competition.

If they continue the current trajectory, Penn State’s balanced offense, deep skill talent, and emerging young stars — especially Josiah Wiggins — could propel them into the College Football Playoff conversation much sooner than anticipated.