NFL
By: Courtney Walsh
The taste of a 27-24 loss for the Penn State Nittany Lions to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl still lingers in the mouths of players and fans just a little bit. But with a new season comes new hope and excitement, and in 2025, our roster is full of talent along with lofty expectations. Being ranked number 2 in the AP Preseason Poll means nothing just adds to the hype machine running wild in Happy Valley. A total of 14 starters return, including star QB Drew Allar, two-headed monster in the backfield Nicholas Singleton, and Kaytron Allen. James Franklin isn’t on the hot seat; he is on molten lava.
Offensive Outlook
Tyler Warren is gone and now plays on Sundays. Allow yourself a moment to let that pain sink in and go away. OK, so the receiver was a weak spot last season, but that shouldn’t be the case this year. 3 new transfers, Kyron Hudson (USC), DeVonte Ross (Troy), and Trebor Pena (Syracuse), will be looked at to bring some spark to the group. Allar can NOT have the playoff drop off he had last season, going from a 73% completion percentage to 60% in the playoffs. Look for Luke Reynolds to get looks at tight end and try to soften the Warren loss. Khalil Dinkins will be the tight end number 2 and isn’t talked about enough in my opinion. Our offensive line brings back 4 starters, continuing the theme of being “all in” for the season. Getting the wideouts involved is top of mind since the running game will be all systems go; the balance would take them to another level. This will be one of the top offenses in the Big Ten that is one bet you can lock in.
Defensive Outlook
Hello Jim Knowles! He secured his bag and left Ohio State, and he said PSU “is so close to winning it all. I think I can help.” Unlike the offense, the defense has some questions it needs answers to in different positions. Starting with the front four, pencil in Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant as our next stars on the D-Line. Abdul Carter is playing for the Giants, and now Dennis-Sutton gets his time to shine and build off his 8.5 sacks and lock in the top spot in the 2026 NFL Draft for edge rushers. Alonzo Ford Jr. played 11 games last season before getting hurt. Xavier Gilliam, according to reports, is poised to make noise. Former Texas A&M Aggie Enai White gets a shot on the edge, along with Mason Robinson out of Maryland. The rotation will work itself out, and like any other position in football, those who make plays will stay on the field. Depth is there.
The secondary is outstanding and ranked in the top ten in college football by many of the so-called experts. Penn State has everything you want: star power, depth, and versatility. A.J. Harris is CB 1 and continues his All-Big Ten success. Elliot Washington II can cover with the best of them. Newcomers to the room are Daryus Dixson, Jahmir Joseph, and Xxavier Thomas. I want to see a jump from nickel CB Zion Tracy, the pick 6 versus Ohio State showed me he is a sure tackling ball hawk.
Overall
This team has a few holes compared to other title contenders, with proven talent on both sides of the ball and good special teams play. If every game is taken seriously, a trip to the College Football Playoffs and a shot at the natty are all in front of this year’s team. Who will emerge as a key on both sides of the ball will be fun to watch play out. #WeAre
