The large knock in opposition to head coach James Franklin and his Penn State Nittany Lions is that they’ve by no means received the “large sport.”
They dispelled that criticism in opposition to them considerably in final season’s School Soccer Playoff, once they beat SMU after which Boise State earlier than shedding to Notre Dame within the CFP semifinal on the Capital One Orange Bowl.
These have been two large wins in large spots, however Franklin and the Nittany Lions finally did not hoist the trophy.
Fox Sports activities faculty soccer analyst Joel Klatt thinks that may change in 2025, although, and a whole lot of it has to do with PSU senior quarterback Drew Allar.
The group itself, although, is stacked.
“I’m very excessive on this group. I feel this group goes to be a superb group. They’re following the blueprint of a group that may go and truly win a nationwide championship,” Klatt stated on the most recent episode of his show (h/t On3).
Allar is the large title, however behind him within the backfield are two backs who each rushed for over 1,000 yards final season. Nick Singleton ran for 1,099 yards and 12 touchdowns, whereas Kaytron Allen rushed for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns.
On protection, Dani-Dennis Sutton will cleared the path on the sting. He notched 8.5 sacks, two pressured fumbles and an interception final season. Defensive deal with Zane Durant is returning for his senior season after notching three sacks final yr, and Zakee Wheatley can be probably the greatest safeties within the nation. Final season, he had 57 solo tackles, one pressured fumble, three interceptions and 4 passes damaged up.
The Nittany Lions are proficient, and that is not even counting Allar. He threw for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns final yr, in comparison with eight interceptions. He additionally rushed for 302 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Penn State additionally went and acquired him some weapons through the switch portal. Of particular curiosity is Syracuse switch Trebor Peña, who notched 941 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Orange final season as a large receiver.
“I feel that is going to be a very good group,” Klatt stated. “A part of that’s is that they’ve replenished their huge receiver corps. They’ve acquired guys on the surface that I feel are going to be superb and can enhance Allar as he continues to enhance.”
Franklin nonetheless has to exit and show that he can win all of it, however he has the items to do it this season at Penn State.
