“Jim Knowles has really brought this defense around to be a force,” Matt Finkes, the Buckeyes legend said about the OSU defensive coach. Tells you about the impact Knowles had on the Buckeyes title-winning season. But in a shocking turn of events, Knowles is now taking his talents elsewhere after signing a $10 million contract with the Nittany Lions. For Penn State, this is a game-changer. With Knowles on board and Drew Allar returning as QB, James Franklin has two crucial pieces in place. And the Penn State HC is quite sure about it. “Knowles is a strong strategist and excellent defensive mind,” said Franklin. But is this enough to challenge the reigning champion whom the Nittany Lions have not beaten in the last nine years? Before Knowles, it seemed impossible. Now, with him on their side, the idea of Penn State snapping that brutal losing streak does not sound crazy. The question is—can they finally break through?

While it’s still early to make any bold predictions, the Nittany Lions are definitely entering a tantalizing era of transformation. The Buckeyes did a lot last year to set the stage for a breathtaking 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. They possessed one of the most productive returning player groups in the nation last year, pushed the boat out for swooping in the most expensive and talented players on the portal, welcomed a renowned NFL head coach to run its high-octane offense, and offered Knowles a lucrative extension of the deal. Their goal is clear in front of your eyes.

Sherrone Moore and Co.’s victory parade on the field in Columbus that late November night cast a shadow over Ryan Day’s future, but the season took a fairytale turn for the Buckeyes. Now, it would be a pretty logical jump to expect the same for Penn State. They have put in the effort and patiently wait for their turn. And who knows? They might just pull off a stunner and beat the champs, the Buckeyes, in 2025. Even Spencer McLaughlin thinks it’s possible, saying in a Locked On College Football video, “The idea that James Franklin could go to Columbus and win isn’t crazy to me.”

“This is at least going to be the best opportunity Penn State will have had to beat Ohio State since they last did in 2016, and certainly on the road, which they haven’t done since 2011. Because Penn State is bringing back Drew Allar at quarterback, both running backs, Kaytron Allen, Nick Singleton, several offensive linemen from a unit that was quite good, three studs on defense, including AJ Harris, who’s a first future first-round pick at cornerback. The core of guys that they have is incredibly strong,” said Spencer McLaughlin, predicting a bright season for the Lions.

In 2016, the Lions’ near misses were heartbreaking. They missed the College Football Playoff by a single spot and then lost the Rose Bowl on the final play. Their playoff hopes were dashed by a one-point loss to the Buckeyes. Coming up short of their supreme aspirations has become a curse. With the greatest Ohio State transfer, it’s safe to hope for a turnaround in every way.

Jim Knowles takes a trip down memory lane following his Penn State arrival

Knowles had more than just a professional motive to bag success at Penn State. He has a subtle personal tie to it. So a victory would taste even sweeter. Knowles revealed how Penn State football had an instrumental role in shaping the regular Sunday mornings of his childhood in Philadelphia and deemed the franchise as ‘everything’ to him.

“We had like three channels on TV and you got up Sunday morning and you watched the Penn State highlights…Penn State was everything,” Knowles said in a post-commitment interview. “It was everything. 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, a lot of really good players, that allowed me to reach that point in my career where I could pick wherever I really wanted to be. Growing up as a kid, Penn State was everything and this is where I want to be.”

Knowles’ pivotal role in Ohio State’s iconic march to the national championship left no doubt over his ability to live up to his aspirations. His defense was a brick wall, allowing just 12.9 points per game—one of the best in the nation. So, it’s no surprise that Franklin and Co. went all-in, shelling out a whopping $3.1 million per season for the next three years (nearly $10 million total!), making him the highest-paid defensive coordinator out there. But Knowles isn’t the only weapon in Penn State’s arsenal!

They’ve got some veteran stars returning too: Center Nick Dawkins, guard JB Nelson, DT Alonzo Ford, and DE Zuriah Fisher are all back for their sixth year, and DE Smith Vilbert is even returning for his seventh! It looks like James Franklin’s throwing down the gauntlet with this $10 million splash, aiming to dethrone Ryan Day and put Penn State in the driver’s seat. The rest will depend on the stars!