Penn State, 13-3 a year ago, will be represented by James Franklin, quarterback Drew Allar, center Nick Dawkins and safety Zakee Wheatley.

The Nittany Lions are considered a Big Ten-title contender as well as a national championship candidate. As the center on the offensive line, Dawkins gets to work most closely with the guy who many think can lead Penn State to its first national title since 1986, quarterback Drew Allar.

A former Penn State football commit officially flipped to the arch rival, and the Nittany Lions' 2027 recruiting class is off to a good start. Though the recruiting cycle has cooled, there's still plenty of news.

James Franklin's Nittany Lions are coming off a 13-3 season and a trip to the college football playoff semifinal round.

Penn State came in first place in the preseason Big Ten media poll, and the team will likely be ranked in the top-five when the preseason AP Poll releases in a few weeks. Head coach James Franklin has a great team, and Colin Cowherd is predicting a national championship.

Penn State’s tight end room has been one of the best in the country recently and is shaping up as a strength again in 2025. Despite the departure of star Tyler Warren, the position is filled with young promise and experience vying for playing time.

Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs earns top honors and Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton finished second in the voting.