Penn State football enters the 2025-26 campaign with higher expectations than ever before.
For a program that has done nothing but win over much of its existence, Penn State has to continue to prove that it is capable of competing for a national championship.
After losing in the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs a year ago, the hope is for them to reach the top this year.
While that won't be any easier than it ever is, Penn State looks to be as good as it has ever been.
With the additions Penn State has made in the transfer portal, but most importantly, its ability to keep some of its top players around, Penn State should be in an excellent position.
And according to The Athletic, Drew Allar’s decision to stay at Penn State was the biggest news of the offseason in the Big Ten, with The Athletic noting that Allar would’ve had a chance to go pro and would’ve been one of the top players selected in this past draft.
“In a down year for quarterbacks, Allar could have been one of the top players drafted had he turned pro after his junior season. His decision to play another year at Penn State cemented the Nittany Lions as a national title contender and the potential preseason Big Ten favorite,” they wrote.
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This continues a trend for Penn State, as it has done everything possible to keep all of its top players around.
It's very uncommon to see players stay with programs in the NIL and transfer portal era, but James Franklin did an excellent job with this roster, and Penn State should succeed because of it.