Penn State coach James Franklin was finally able to get over the hump and win a playoff game, but the question still remains whether he can do it again.
ESPN certainly thinks so. In ranking all 18 Big Ten programs, the Nittany Lions graced the top spot.
"Typically having to hire your fourth defensive coordinator in five years isn't great, especially when you also lose three starters from a dynamite front seven," Bill Connelly wrote regarding Jim Knowles' hiring. "But pilfering your rival's awesome defensive coordinator and keeping all of your offensive stars (while using the portal for receiver upgrades) is a good way to nail the offseason."
The Nittany Lions also addressed a major issue: the wide receiver position.
"After a heartbreaking loss in the CFP semifinal, Penn State kept much of its core together," the assessment read.
A major key for the Nittany Lions is balance on both sides of the ball.
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"The offensive backfield will once again feature quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton is back, as well as linebackers Tony Rojas and Dominic DeLuca, safety Zakee Wheatley, cornerback A.J. Harris and others. Penn State didn't add many transfers but addressed by far its biggest need at wide receiver with Pena, a 2024 second-team All-ACC selection at Syracuse who had 84 catches for 941 yards and 9 touchdowns, as well as Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC). The team also made a key late addition in Campbell, who gives Knowles a proven pass-rushing threat."
What also helps the Nittany Lions have an oddly similar schedule to the likes of Illinois, as its two must-win games are Oregon and Ohio State. Winning at least one of those two games could give the Nittany Lions an edge as the playoffs draw closer.
By August, the Nittany Lions can prove they're worth the hype.
Now, they have to start winning.