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STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (Aug. 28, 2025) — Penn State football opens its 2025 season Saturday against Nevada at Beaver Stadium, a 3:30 p.m. kickoff on CBS and Paramount+. This opener is not only the debut of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ system but also the return of veteran quarterback Drew Allar. Consequently, the Nittany Lions enter the season ranked in the national top four, with Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff expectations shaping every storyline.
Penn State Defense Under Jim Knowles Ready for Nevada Test
Since Knowles’ January arrival from Ohio State, Penn State’s defense has undergone a significant transformation. Moreover, his reputation as the architect of the Buckeyes’ national championship defense has brought instant credibility. His 4-2-5 system emphasizes discipline and adaptability, which contrasts with the more aggressive but inconsistent schemes of recent years. “Our job is to be great,” Knowles explained earlier this month, setting the tone for a defense with lofty goals.
Furthermore, players have already noticed the difference. Defensive tackle Zane Durant said the shift has allowed him to “play free… try different things… and help take my game to another level.” Similarly, safety Zakee Wheatley described Knowles’ approach as “a totally different aspect to the defense,” adding that he is “excited to see how it all comes together.” Those words illustrate not only excitement but also buy-in across the roster.
Penn State Offense with Drew Allar, Singleton and Allen Brings Firepower
While the defense is adapting to new leadership, the offense benefits from continuity. To begin with, senior quarterback Drew Allar enters his final season with nearly 30 starts under his belt. Behind him, the running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen adds proven firepower, especially after both turned down the NFL Draft to chase a Big Ten title in Happy Valley.
In addition, the offensive line returns three starters, giving the backfield and passing game a sturdy foundation. Fresh additions to the wide receiver room, including transfers, provide Allar with more options to stretch defenses vertically. Head coach James Franklin acknowledged the atmosphere of expectation, stating, “The expectations… are always really high… That’s a big reason why I came here.” His words, therefore, highlight both the external pressure and the program’s internal standard.
As Penn State prepares to face Nevada, the offense will aim to control tempo and maintain balance. At the same time, the defense will be tested in its ability to communicate and limit explosive plays. Together, those two elements will serve as the blueprint for early success.
Season Expectations: Penn State Big Ten Title Run and CFP Push
Beyond the opener, the season outlook underscores just how much is at stake. In the preseason Big Ten poll, Penn State edged out Ohio State for the top spot, which signals respect from across the conference. Nationally, the Lions opened at No. 4, trailing only Texas, Clemson and Georgia. As a result, many analysts believe this roster is Franklin’s most complete to date.
Franklin himself has not shied away from the pressure. “We were a drive away from playing for the National Championship… the expectations at Penn State are really high,” he said in July. Likewise, Allar acknowledged the weight of the moment but reframed it as opportunity: “The only thing I care about is being where we’re ranked at the end of the season.” Those comments connect the team’s past frustration to its present determination.
Saturday’s meeting with Nevada, therefore, is more than just a non-conference opener. Instead, it is the first step toward proving whether Penn State can finally convert hype into hardware. If the defense executes Knowles’ disciplined system and the offense capitalizes on its veteran core, the Lions will set themselves up for the looming White Out showdown against Oregon on Sept. 27. That game, in turn, could define the trajectory of the entire season.
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