Just days after Ryan Day secured a national title, the spotlight shifted to defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, whose phone began ringing with new opportunities. The turning point for the Ohio State Buckeyes came early on January 22nd at exactly 5:06 a.m.—a crucial moment when Knowles entered talks for a defensive coordinator role in Pennsylvania. That moment would mark a significant shift for Ohio State’s post-championship narrative. The hiring process unfolded much faster than Penn State head coach James Franklin had anticipated. While the Nittany Lions haven’t often outmaneuvered Ohio State, successfully recruiting Knowles—one of the top defensive minds in college football—felt like a major win.
Despite the public perception that Penn State was trying to unsettle their Big Ten rival, Franklin dismissed such talk, saying the focus was simply on assembling the best staff possible. He emphasized that the move wasn’t personal and that landing a coordinator of Knowles’ caliber was about striving for excellence, not rivalry. Speaking to NBCSports’ Nicole Auerbach, Franklin clarified, “It just came down to one of the best defensive coordinators being available, and we made a move.”
Penn State entered the College Football Playoff after finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record. They fell to Oregon in the Big Ten Championship and lost a narrow 27-24 semifinal matchup against Notre Dame. While those results weren’t poor, Franklin felt the defense didn’t get the credit it deserved. With key names like Tom Allen and Abdul Crater already anchoring the defense, adding Knowles—whose previous team allowed just 12.9 points per game—was meant to elevate the program further.
Franklin revealed that the hiring process was highly competitive, noting that other major programs like Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and even Ohio State were in the mix. “That made it more challenging than I would’ve liked,” he said. “But I’m really glad he’s now part of our family.” The process included multiple visits from Knowles and was finalized through a $9 million deal and consistent effort from Penn State’s leadership.
However, Penn State’s ambitions for 2025 aren’t just about Jim Knowles or offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. The program sees itself on the rise thanks to a strategic offseason. Smart roster moves, portal acquisitions, and staff upgrades have shaped a new vision. Kotelnicki’s role in quarterback Drew Allar’s development also contributes to the optimism surrounding the team.
Ultimately, Penn State isn’t just trying to be a part of the story in college football anymore—they’re aiming to become the story. Whether the move for Knowles will tip the balance of power in the Big Ten remains to be seen, but Penn State’s intent is crystal clear: they’re going all-in on becoming a national powerhouse.