

Optimism is soaring in Happy Valley as the 2025 College Football season kicks off. Penn State enters the yearranked among the top contenders, boasting a seasoned roster, key transfer additions, and a quarterback who has transformed his game.
For all the momentum, the Nittany Lions still face familiar questions: can they win the biggest games, and do they have depth to last through the grueling Big Ten schedule?
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Why Penn State has the tools to be champions
At the center of Penn State’s title hopes is quarterback Drew Allar, who dropped weight in the offseason to imporve his agility and decision making. Surrounded by the dynamic backfield duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, the Nittany Lions boast one of the most balanced offenses in the country.
The wide receiver unit has also received a major upgrade with the arrivals of Trebor Peña, Kyron Hudson, and Devonte Ross, giving Allar reliable options at every level of the field. On the defensive side, the return of standouts like Zane Durant and Dani Dennis-Sutton solidifies a unit already known for its aggressiveness and physical play.
Penn State also strengthened its coaching staff, adding former Ohio State coordinator Jim Knowles to lead the defense and veteran coach Stan Drayton to guide the backfield. Combined with a veteran core of players who passed up the NFL Draft to return, the Nittany Lions look more complete than they have in years.
Challenges that could derail a title run
Despite the hype, Penn State’s path is far from clear. Allar has struggled against top-tier opponents, with a losing record versus Top 10 teams and noticeable accuracy dips under postseason pressure. If he cannot elevate his game when it matters most, the Nittany Lions may once again fall short.
Depth also remains a concern. While the starting defensive line is strong, injuries could expose a thin rotation. Behind Allar, the quarterback room lacks experience, creating major risk of the starter misses time. Add in a Big Ten schedule that includes Michigan and Ohio State, and Penn State must prove it can finally overcome the conference’s giants to reach the playoff.
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