Penn State football fans have entered the heat of summer with new optimism and clear focus. As of late July 2025, the Nittany Lions are steering past the narrative of high-profile defeats, setting their sights on another deep playoff push under coach James Franklin.
Big Ten Notes: Penn State Football Eyes the Top
This week’s Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas put Penn State right at the center of national attention. Despite coach Franklin’s well-documented 4-20 track record against AP Top 10 opponents—a stat critics love to throw around—the mood in Happy Valley is all about resilience and renewed ambition. Franklin, poised for his 12th season, insists the team is “laser focused on the task at hand,” preparing for their August 30 season opener against Nevada.
Team leaders like safety Zakee Wheatley echo the urgency:
“Coming to Penn State, I came here to win Big Ten championships and win a national championship. The beginning of every year, that’s expectations,” Wheatley emphasized. “Coach Franklin does a great job of making sure we’re laser focused on the task at hand.”
Breaking Through Against College Football’s Best
The pressure on Penn State football is palpable with key players returning this fall. Quarterback Drew Allar, who passed on heading to the NFL for another shot at collegiate glory, is projected not only as a Heisman contender but as a player ready to turn past heartbreak into triumph. ESPN’s preseason poll ranks the Lions No. 1, piling extra expectation onto Allar and his teammates.
Allar, reflecting on recent close losses to major rivals, says experience will set this year’s Nittany Lions apart:
“We know what those situations feel like…so just channeling that and staying in that present moment when those opportunities do come, I think is going to be the biggest thing for us. We want people to shut up? We can shut ’em up real easy,” Allar stated this week.
Schedule and Playoff Picture
The 2025 regular season won’t be a cakewalk. Penn State football faces crucial Big Ten battles, notably a home game against Oregon on September 27 and a showdown at Ohio State on November 1. These are games that could define their championship credentials.
Here’s a quick look at the highlight games and what’s at stake:
| Date | Opponent | Key Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | Nevada | Season opener; set early momentum |
| Sept. 27 | Oregon | Clash against Top 10 talent |
| Nov. 1 | @ Ohio St. | Potential playoff decider; must-win for reputation |
Penn State is expected to be favored in nearly all regular-season matches except the Ohio State game, where history hasn’t been kind. Last season’s playoff appearance set a high bar, and anything short of a College Football Playoff berth may be disappointing for this highly-touted squad. The new 12-team CFP format places extra significance on every major conference showdown, with playoff seeding hinging on each win and loss.
Key Factors for 2025 Success
Several reasons stand out for optimism:
- Returning Talent: Most of the starting lineup is intact, led by quarterback Drew Allar and a veteran defensive group.
- Coaching Stability: Franklin brings extensive postseason experience, with ten playoff appearances in the last eleven years.
- Depth and Leadership: Considered the deepest roster of Franklin’s tenure, which could be crucial as the season wears on.
- Motivation: Players and staff are openly acknowledging past shortcomings and using them as fuel.
Still, experts highlight the need for Penn State to finally win when it counts most. Overcoming the pattern of falling short in marquee matchups will be decisive if the Nittany Lions are to change their narrative and fulfill high expectations.
The Season Ahead
Penn State football opens fall camp determined to keep outside noise quiet and make the next step to national relevance. With a favorable schedule, star power, and hard-earned experience, the Nittany Lions are blocking out the critics as they set out to achieve their biggest goals yet.
Have thoughts on this season’s Nittany Lions? Share your predictions and join the conversation below—let’s talk what it will take for Penn State football to reach the pinnacle this year.