No. 2 Penn State Returns 15 Starters Chasing First National Title Since 1986

Penn State football is poised for a strong 2025 season with many key players, including quarterback Drew Allar and star running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, opting to return rather than enter the NFL draft, driven by the desire to win the program's first national championship since 1986. After narrowly losing to Notre Dame in last season's College Football Playoff semifinal, Allar and 15 returning starters aim to build on that success and fulfill the high expectations of a passionate fanbase. Head coach James Franklin, in his 12th season, has bolstered the team’s coaching staff by hiring Jim Knowles from Ohio State, bringing championship experience to Penn State’s defense. Simulations from EA Sports’ College Football 26 project Penn State as a top contender for the national title, tied with Clemson and Georgia for the most simulated wins, and holding the third-best odds behind Texas and Georgia. The team features significant depth and experience, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines, which Franklin believes is the strongest combination of talent and staff in his tenure. Penn State’s recent consistency and historical success position them as an emerging blue blood in college football, ready to challenge established powerhouses in the coming season.