Penn State, James Franklin and Jim Knowles

Penn State hiring Jim Knowles from Ohio State is a major win for James Franklin
Jim Knowles landed at Penn State less than a week after helping Ohio State win the national championship. In those precious days following the College Football Playoff finale, the sought-after defensive coordinator had options from which to choose.
James Franklin Reveals His ‘Welcome To Saquon Barkley’ Moment At Penn State
In a piece in The Athletic by Bruce Feldman, PSU head coach James Franklin recalls how Barkley was initially not highly regarded, noting the back wasn't even the top running back recruit in Pennsylvania.
Jim Knowles Praises James Franklin's 'Defensive Culture' at Penn State
In a new interview, Penn State's defensive coordinator says he's going to build the No. 1 defense with the Nittany Lions.
Penn State poaching Jim Knowles sends clear message: James Franklin, Nittany Lions ready to take next step
James Franklin has picked up his first win over Ohio State since 2016. Penn State poached Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles over the weekend. While Ryan Day and the Buckeyes were busy celebrating their first national title in 10 years with a party at Ohio Stadium,
CFB analyst breaks down how James Franklin’s Penn State is going all out for 2025
Following their exploits in the 2024 season, there's a compelling reason to believe Penn State will be that team in 2025. However, James Franklin's unimpressive record against AP top-10 teams is a stumbling block. He's 4-20 against teams in the top 10 of the poll.
Ranking James Franklin’s best coordinator hires during his time at Penn State
Fresh from a long run to the college playoff semifinal round, James Franklin jump-started Penn State’s 2025 offseason with a splash hire. Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator on Ohio State’s 2024 national championship team, is now with the Nittany Lions.
Jim Knowles believes Penn State is close to winning a title. He wants to make it happen.
The Nittany Lions' new defensive coordinator opened up about leaving Ohio State for Penn State after winning a national championship — and how he thinks he can help the football team he always viewed as the sport's gold standard.
Jim Knowles Believes National Championship Is ‘So Close’ for Penn State
In a move that shocked college football fans, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles — fresh off helping Ohio State win a national championship — decided to leave the Buckeyes and take the same job with the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Jim Knowles drops truth bomb on Penn State football's title aspirations
After Penn State football added Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator comments on what his aspirations are with the team.
James Franklin Names His NFL MVP Without Hesitation
The Philadelphia Eagles — led by superstar running back Saquon Barkley — will face off against the back-to-back ...
Where is Penn State in search for defensive coordinator? Nittany Lions mailbag
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State ’s first-ever 16-game season is in the books and the Nittany Lions are the preseason No. 1 in ...
What to Know About Penn State Football's 2025 Recruiting Class
Coach James Franklin signed 27 players in the 2025 class, many of whom already have begun training with the Nittany Lions.
Former teammates and Penn State students share Saquon Barkley stories: ‘A special way of bringing others with him’
From one of his best friends to a waitress in State College, Barkley made an impact on and off the field at Penn State.
Will James Franklin be college football's next first-time national championship coach?
Franklin was named one of the most likely coaches to win his first national championship next season in a recent story by CBS ...
Penn State Among Final Four Teams Vying For Class of 2026 Philly DL
Alexander Haskell, a 6'4", 250 lbs. defensive lineman from St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, named Penn State as one of the ...