James Franklin believes 2025 Penn State team is his best in terms of personnel

LAS VEGAS — Penn State’s appearance in last season’s Big Ten championship game was the Nittany Lions’ first since 2016, the year Saquon Barkley, Trace McSorley, Chris Godwin and the rest knocked off Wisconsin in Indianapolis to win the title.

James Franklin’s Nittany Lions pushed Oregon to the limit last December before falling 45-37.

The expectation is PSU will be back at Lucas Oil Stadium for another run at the championship in 2025.

Franklin made it clear Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days he has the team to do it.

“This is the best combined personnel that I think we’ve had at Penn State, and when I talk about personnel, I’m talking about players and staff, from a depth, from a talent standpoint, and from an experience standpoint,” Franklin said.

“So, we’re very excited about that.”

Penn State’s veteran cast of players includes the three Lions who represented the team at Big Ten Media Days — quarterback Drew Allar, center Nick Dawkins and safety Zakee Wheatley.

The Lions also return 1,000-yard rushers Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, plus elite defenders Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zane Durant and A.J. Harris.

Franklin, in his 12th season in State College, also believes his coaching staff is exceptional.

Penn State lost defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who is now at Clemson. But Franklin was able to add top defensive mind Jim Knowles, the former Ohio State DC, to run his defense.

Franklin also replaced running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider — who left for Notre Dame — with Stan Drayton, a highly regarded developer of running backs who was the head coach at Temple in 2024.

“Excited about the additions to our staff this season with Jim Knowles and Stan Drayton,” Franklin said.

“Two veteran coaches with head coach and championship level experience.”