Penn State is heading into the 2025 football season with renewed excitement, fresh talent, and a fan base eager for kickoff. With spring practices wrapped up, the energy in State College is unmistakable. The annual Blue-White Game gave fans an early look at what to expect—new transfers like wide receivers Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross made early impressions, while freshmen such as linebacker Anthony Speca showed promise.
Head coach James Franklin emphasized that spring training is all about experimentation and finding the right mix of players. New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, formerly with Ohio State, is already influencing the team with his aggressive approach to defense. There’s stiff competition within key positions like wide receiver and linebacker, while veteran injuries allowed younger players to gain valuable reps, particularly on the offensive line.
Now, as the team takes a summer pause, there’s a lingering question: is this the best shot Franklin’s had at a national title during his tenure? Analysts from the Menace 2 Sports show think so. They point out that Penn State returns key offensive players like star quarterback Drew Allar and two elite running backs, while adding three significant receivers through the transfer portal. Allar, who many expected to enter the NFL Draft, chose to return for one more season, bringing maturity and leadership.
Kyron Hudson (USC), Devonte Ross (Troy), and Trebor Pena (Syracuse) headline the new arrivals at receiver. Pena, in particular, brings a game-changing presence after nearly 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns last season. On defense, Jim Knowles takes over after building a powerhouse unit at Ohio State that led the country in both total and scoring defense.
Given the decline of traditional Big Ten powers—Michigan has regressed since 2023, and both Ohio State and Oregon are breaking in new quarterbacks—the path appears clearer than ever. That’s why analysts insist it’s “now or never” for Penn State.
Still, not everything is smooth. After losing linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson to USC, Penn State is scrambling to fill the gap at what has historically been one of its strongest positions. With Tony Rojas also nursing an injury, the linebacker corps is thin. Franklin, known for being reserved in public recruitment, openly declared his need for more linebackers, even inviting transfers to join the legendary “Linebacker U.”
Names like Mohamed Toure from Rutgers have surfaced—he’s a proven talent but comes with injury history. It’s clear that Franklin and his staff aren’t just plugging holes; they’re hunting for players who can make an immediate impact.
As summer approaches and fall camp looms, the stakes are higher than ever in Happy Valley. With talent stacked across the roster and their biggest rivals in transition, Penn State has a rare opening. Whether they capitalize on it may define James Franklin’s legacy.