Penn State's head coach James Franklin under scrutiny after the team's preseason ranking in the Coaches' Poll
The upcoming 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Penn State Nittany Lions, with high expectations riding on their shoulders. With a strong preseason ranking and recent success, including a College Football Playoff appearance and two playoff wins last season, the team is projected to finish third in the Big Ten, with an average of about 10.4 wins overall and 7.4 in conference play[1].
Head Coach James Franklin, in his 12th season, is at the helm, leading a team with an overall 101–42 record. Franklin's teams have been consistent favorites, going 34-2 recently when favored, but have struggled to win as underdogs. This season is viewed as arguably his most important, with pressure to break through further in the playoffs and contend for a national title[2][3][5].
Key to the team's success is third-year starting quarterback Drew Allar. Allar has met expectations but still faces scrutiny about his performance against top defenses. The offense is expected to continue improving, especially with offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki who elevated the team's SP+ offensive ranking from 30th to 9th last season[1][3].
On the defensive side, new coordinator Jim Knowles is tasked with turning around the defense. The defense has been strong over the past several years, consistently finishing in the top 7 in defensive SP+. Knowles, with a history of turning around defenses at major programs, inherits a core of proven defensive playmakers. However, there are concerns about depth due to limited returning snaps among defensive starters[1].
Penn State is among the favorites to win the Big Ten (+230 odds) and contend for the national championship (+750 odds), indicating confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level. The over/under win total is set at 10.5, reflecting expectations for a double-digit win season[2].
The schedule is considered manageable, with the primary obstacles being Oregon at home and Ohio State on the road. Experts anticipate splitting these key games while taking care of other Big Ten opponents, thus maintaining Franklin’s tradition of winning the games they are favored in[3].
However, this season is crucial for Franklin and Penn State. With the recent dominance of Michigan and Ohio State, a successful season for Penn State may require a National Championship. Given Franklin's contract with Penn State runs through 2031, a failure to lead the team to a successful season may necessitate considering alternatives[6].
Penn State had an easy route to the semifinals last season, dispatching SMU and Boise State before narrowly losing to Notre Dame. Despite this, Penn State is in the best position to make a run since the mid-to-late 1990s. However, the team is currently falling behind in the Big Ten arms race, with other teams investing heavily in facilities and recruitment[4].
As the season approaches, the spotlight is on Franklin and Penn State to deliver a successful season and live up to the high expectations. The combination of a solid quarterback, a strong but evolving defense, and an experienced coaching staff underpins these high expectations. The 2025 season is a potential make-or-break year for Franklin’s legacy, with a need to win against elite opponents to remove the perceived ceiling on his success[4][5].
[1] ESPN FPI projections [2] Sports Illustrated [3] 247Sports [4] The Athletic [5] Yahoo Sports [6] PennLive
Sports enthusiasts and Penn State fans are eagerly anticipating the 2025 season, as American-football and NCAA-football pundits predict a potential national title run for the Nittany Lions. With Drew Allar at quarterback, Coach James Franklin seeks to break through in the playoffs and secure a championship, a crucial step towards securing his legacy at Penn State.
