The Big Ten is turning into a battlefield, resembling a storyline straight out of The Lion King. Penn State’s James Franklin, backed by his massive contract, is making a bold play for dominance, mirroring Scar’s challenge to Simba in the movie. Ohio State, long the king of the conference, is facing internal upheaval, particularly after losing key coaching figures, including defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. His departure to Penn State has sent shockwaves through the Buckeyes’ program, as Knowles is now openly discussing his time at Ohio State, offering insights into the team’s inner workings—akin to Zazu feeding Scar valuable intelligence.
Penn State’s Major Move: Securing Jim Knowles
Despite their playoff loss, Penn State pulled off a major coup by landing Jim Knowles, whose $3.1 million salary might seem hefty but pales in comparison to the defensive expertise he brings. Now settling into his new role, Knowles has been reflecting on his tenure at Ohio State, emphasizing the importance of brotherhood and accountability in building a championship-caliber team.
He highlighted how the Buckeyes thrived on trust and commitment, stating, “Guys have to be accountable to each other. Player to player, coach to player, player to coach. Coaches have to have the answers, and they have to be willing to admit when they make mistakes because coaches do make mistakes too. You got to have the trust of the players, that they’ll go to war for you, that they’ll do whatever you ask them to do because they believe that it works.”
This philosophy of accountability—where players push each other year-round and keep their eyes on the ultimate prize—is essential for maintaining dominance. However, it’s not always enough. Ohio State’s championship run was quickly followed by the exodus of three key coordinators, showcasing the reality that top programs constantly have to fend off lucrative offers pulling their best coaches and players away. It’s a sign of the times—money wields influence, and Franklin will need to take note if he hopes to cement Penn State’s position at the top.
Jim Knowles’ Deep Connection to Penn State
Knowles’ decision to join Penn State isn’t just about coaching—it’s personal. Growing up in Philadelphia, he was deeply influenced by Penn State football, recalling how, “When I was little, there were only like three stations on the television, and you had to actually get up and change the channel. You didn’t get to watch much college football. But one thing I did watch every Sunday morning was the Penn State highlight show, which was an hour long, and I looked forward to that. Penn State represented everything to me about college football at the highest level and doing things the right way.”
While nostalgia plays a role, Knowles is primarily valued for his defensive brilliance. With him on board, Penn State is strategizing to keep its best players from leaving for the NFL, leveraging NIL deals and Knowles’ defensive prowess. Key players like quarterback Drew Allar, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, defensive tackle Zane Durant, and safety Zakee Wheatley are already in focus as the team builds for the future.
The Strength of Knowles’ Defense
Knowles’ impact on Ohio State’s defense was undeniable. The unit proved its mettle in high-stakes moments, first shutting down Tennessee and then delivering a dominant performance against Big Ten champion Oregon. In that game, Ohio State’s defense was a wall, allowing the Buckeyes to seize a commanding 34-0 lead and reminding Oregon of the earlier season upset.
The numbers back up Knowles’ credentials. Ohio State led the FBS in scoring defense, conceding just 12.9 points per game. They also ranked first in total yards allowed per play and second in yards per rush attempt. These statistics highlight why Penn State was eager to bring him in and why Ohio State now faces an urgent need to fill the defensive void left by his departure.
Ohio State’s Search for a New Defensive Leader
With Knowles gone, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is scrambling to find a replacement. Reports suggest that Knowles’ exit wasn’t sudden but rather the result of prolonged tensions within the coaching staff. According to J.D. Pickell from On3, Knowles had already made up his mind to leave, regardless of the outcome of the national championship. Pickell noted, “It sounds like there was a strain between Jim Knowles and the Ohio State staff.”
Despite the setback, Ohio State isn’t standing still. The search for a new defensive coordinator has already produced some interesting names. One top candidate is Bryant Haines, Indiana’s defensive coordinator, who led the Hoosiers to a surprising top-10 ranking and their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
Day appears to be adopting a strategic approach to the transition, inspired by legendary coach Nick Saban’s philosophy of maintaining continuity in all phases of the game. He explained, “We want to have as much continuity as we can. I think I’ve learned that, watching guys like Nick Saban and different coaches who have had success for extended periods of time, to make sure that you have continuity in all three (offense, defense, special teams) phases.”
Ohio State is also considering internal candidates. One possibility is Matt Guerrieri, who built his reputation at Duke and Indiana, developing standout players like safety Lathan Ransom. Another option is Tim Walton, an experienced defensive coach who has led top defenses at Miami (FL), Memphis, and even the NFL’s St. Louis Rams. The decision will be critical as the Buckeyes attempt to maintain their status as a powerhouse in the Big Ten.
The Big Ten Power Struggle: Who Reigns Supreme?
With all these shifts in coaching and strategy, the question looms large: Is James Franklin now the dominant force in the Big Ten, or does Ryan Day still rule the conference? The stakes have never been higher, and with Penn State gaining momentum, Ohio State must make the right moves to stay in the fight.