It’s difficult to explain what makes CFB tick and what makes it thrive. If you were to tell the latest, almost seismic revelation out of a blueblood program to a non-CFB fan, they’d probably think you’re joking. Let alone a program that’s just reached the zenith of the sport. Walk yourself through this pretty unfathomable but somehow true scenario. You’re one of the top 3 highest-paid defensive coordinators in the sport. You’re with a perennial contender, a program synonymous with success. In your mid-50s as well, so comfort, job security, and continuity ideally take precedence over change and uncertainty. Oh, and you’ve just won the National Championship. Do you leave? Turns out you do if you’re Jim Knowles.

Some puzzling news reverberated out of Columbus this week as DC Jim Knowles bid adieu quite abruptly. The adrenaline rush from the Natty hadn’t even settled down yet, and Knowles dropped this bombshell. As if this wasn’t enough of a blow to the Buckeyes, he’s only gone and joined conference rivals Penn State. This revelation has left the Ohio State fans divided with either of 2 sentiments: ‘good grief!’ or ‘good riddance’. But one emotion is being felt in unison- revenge is requisite. If the powers that be and Ryan Day concur, there’s an opportunity for some subliminal and long-drawn vengeance on the horizon. The last thing James Franklin needed was to get caught in some ancillary cross-fire.

The no.17 safety in the class of ‘26 has condensed down his landing spot to 4 schools. Two of these are Ohio State and Penn State. Very spicy. One of the first tasks that Jim Knowles has as the Nittany Lions’ DC will be to lure this defensive back to Happy Valley. On the surface level, this should be a no-brainer. We just witnessed what Knowles did with Caleb Downs in the secondary. Any fellow safety would want a shot at that, even if it’s nearly impossible to mimic Downs’ caliber. Problem is, he’s an Ohio native. Not to mention that scarlet red is too difficult to ignore.

The player about to go through this conundrum is Kaden Gebhardt. The 4-star recruit out of Lewis Centre, OH, has 30 D-1 offers on the table. However, On3’s ever-reliable Hayes Fawcett reports he’s picking between Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Clemson. Wisconsin was the first of these to offer him, and Gebhardt has already been on campus. Then came James Franklin’s PSU, followed by the Buckeyes. Clemson only made their offer less than a fortnight ago. It’s ironic how Jim Knowles was a key proponent of Gebhardt while in Columbus but will now be competing against his own offer. To add another layer of convolution to this recruitment, Penn State’s previous DC, Tom Allen, the predecessor to Knowles, is now at Clemson! Kaden Gebhardt will have to try and not get the faces mixed up with the logos next time he meets these coaches.

In terms of the People vs Jim Knowles, there’s not just bad blood from Buckeye fans who feel he broke the sanctity of their relationship by jumping ship for a rival. This bad blood is reciprocated. Jim Knowles is fanning the flames of the disgust coming towards him. He threw some not-so-subtle shade on Ohio State during his introductory speech at his new home.

Jim Knowles’ resounding speech will inspire James Franklin, but Ryan Day must be seething

CFB coaching is a fickle profession to be in. Equal amounts of reverence and hate just come with the territory. Jim Knowles has moved around programs enough to know that this decision won’t go down well with the OSU faithful. But instead of avoiding controversy, he’s reveling in it. 

During his first interaction with the Penn State players, Knowles spoke about his roots and love for the program right from the outset. “We had like 3 channels on TV, and you got up Sunday morning and you watched the Penn State highlights” he said. “I grew up in Philly, North Philly. The real Philly for you suburb guys!” Knowles grew up less than 200 miles west of State College. If that tells you he’s happy to be here, what he proceeded to say will drive it in. 

“Penn State was everything. It was everything, you know. That’s what we aspired to be. I couldn’t get there as a player, but through a lot of work, a lot of time and a lot of really good players. That allowed me to reach the point in my career where I could really pick wherever I wanted to be. Growing up as a kid, Penn State was everything. This is where I want to be.” Depending on if you’re a Buckeye or a Nittany Lion, you’re either hot in your head or got chills down your spine. No wonder they want revenge. Kaden Gebhardt could be step 1, an appetizer. Revenge is a dish best-served cold, they say. The main course shall be served when the two teams meet on November 1st.