Penn State is making an announcement forward of the 2025 season. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Nittany Lions are set to rent Jim Knowles as their subsequent defensive coordinator.
Whereas the deal has not been finalized, the transfer alerts Penn State’s determination to contend for a national title.
Knowles, 59, has spent the previous three seasons as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, main one of many nation’s high defenses. In 2024, the Buckeyes ranked first in scoring protection (12.9 factors per recreation) and complete protection (254.6 yards per recreation), together with top-three finishes in each dashing and passing protection.
Knowles would substitute Tom Allen, who left after one season to take the defensive coordinator job at Clemson. Beneath Allen, the Nittany Lions defense ranked eighth nationally in scoring protection (16.5 factors per recreation) and seventh in complete protection (294.8 yards per recreation).
Whereas Allen’s departure was a setback, Penn State’s pursuit of Knowles — reportedly on a three-year deal value $3.1 million yearly — reveals an aggressive dedication to raise this system additional.
The contract would make Knowles the highest-paid defensive coordinator in school soccer historical past if finalized. It additionally marks a return house for the Philadelphia native, who attended St. Joseph’s Prep earlier than launching a training profession with stints at Duke, Oklahoma State and Ohio State.
The timing of the rent aligns with a loaded 2025 roster. Key returners embody defensive finish Dani Dennis-Sutton, defensive sort out Zane Durant, security Zakee Wheatley, cornerback A.J. Harris and linebacker Tony Rojas.
The transfer has implications past Completely happy Valley. Ohio State might want to substitute a coordinator who helped safe a nationwide title in 2024. With simply three starters getting back from that championship protection, the Buckeyes now face a significant transition in a crucial offseason.
Penn State opens the 2025 season on Aug. 30 at Beaver Stadium in opposition to Nevada. If Knowles formally joins the fold, he’ll be tasked with turning an ideal protection right into a championship-caliber one.
