Penn State’s 2024 season is now in the rearview mirror, and with Ohio State’s 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the national championship game, the same can be said for the rest of college football. In his 11th year at the helm, James Franklin led the Nittany Lions to a 13-3 record, their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, and two playoff wins, including a Fiesta Bowl victory. However, all three of their losses came at the hands of the top three teams in the final AP poll of the season.
Despite finishing in the top five of the AP poll for the first time since 2005, Franklin’s inability to clinch a major win left a sense of irony hanging over his “Big Game James” moniker. The good news for Penn State fans is that heading into 2025, Franklin is poised to have the roster necessary to break through.
While the Nittany Lions will be without stars like Tyler Warren and Abdul Carter, and the search for a new defensive coordinator looms after Tom Allen’s departure to Clemson, the team returns a wealth of veteran talent. Drew Allar will lead a seasoned group that includes Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zane Durant, and Zakee Wheatley— all of whom will be back for their final year of eligibility.
Though the defense will undergo some changes, the biggest shakeup for the Nittany Lions lies at wide receiver. After a lackluster Orange Bowl performance from the receiving corps, which finished the game with zero catches, both Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans entered the transfer portal. This leaves a lot of pressure on Franklin’s new additions, Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross, who will need to step up and lead a young, revamped group.
With high expectations for 2025, Penn State looks to build on its success, and though it’s still early, let’s take a look at how the season might unfold.
Penn State 2025 Record Prediction: 11-1
Week 1 vs. Nevada: 42-7 W
Given the experiences of teams like Indiana and SMU in 2024, it’s clear that you can reach the 12-team playoff without facing major competition in non-conference play. With a loaded superconference schedule featuring games against Oregon, Ohio State, and Michigan, there’s little incentive for Penn State to schedule tough opponents early. A blowout win against a Nevada team coming off a 3-10 season seems likely in their home opener.
Week 2 vs. FIU: 35-0 W
FIU enters the season with a new head coach, Willie Simmons, after Mike MacIntyre’s tenure ended with a 4-8 record. The Panthers will be in a rebuilding phase, and Week 2 should be an easy win for Penn State.
Week 3 vs. Villanova: 45-3 W
Facing an FCS team before a bye week and a tough matchup with Oregon, Penn State could find themselves underperforming. However, even in a potential sleepwalk, the talent disparity will be too much for Villanova to overcome.
Week 4: Bye
Week 5 vs. Oregon: 28-24 W
Penn State came close to beating Oregon in the Big Ten Championship, and with Dillon Gabriel and Tez Johnson gone, the Ducks will be rebuilding at key positions. With Drew Allar leading a team filled with experienced talent, the Nittany Lions should edge out Oregon early in the season.
Week 6 at UCLA: 27-13 W
UCLA finished 5-7 under Deshaun Foster after Chip Kelly’s departure to Ohio State, but Foster has put together an exciting transfer portal class, including former Appalachian State quarterback Joey Aguilar. However, Penn State’s experience and depth will likely be too much for the Bruins.
Week 7 vs. Northwestern: 30-6 W
David Braun’s magic from his 8-5 season in 2023 has worn off, and Northwestern will continue to struggle to compete in the Big Ten.
Week 8 at Iowa: 20-18 W
After Cade McNamara’s injury, Iowa found new life with dual-threat quarterback Brendan Sullivan. The Hawkeyes also added former South Dakota State QB Mark Gronowski, an exciting talent. However, despite the challenging environment at Kinnick Stadium, Penn State should come away with a narrow victory.
Week 9: Bye
Week 10 at Ohio State: 24-20 L
As much as fans hope for a breakthrough, history suggests that this will be a tough matchup for Penn State. Ohio State, even with a new quarterback, will have a potent offense featuring Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. The Nittany Lions will need an exceptional performance, but ultimately, Ohio State will prove too much in this game.
Week 11 vs. Indiana: 21-10 W
Indiana may enter the season ranked after making the 12-team playoff in 2024 under Curt Cignetti, but their roster won’t be nearly as strong in 2025. Penn State will dominate the Hoosiers, especially with Kurtis Rourke now out of eligibility.
Week 12 at Michigan State: 24-20 W
Under Jonathan Smith, Michigan State is rebuilding, and while Aidan Chiles has potential, the Spartans will be a year away from competing at a high level. Penn State will come out on top in a hard-fought game.
Week 13 vs. Nebraska: 30-21 W
Nebraska’s hopes rest on quarterback Dylan Raiola’s development in his sophomore season. Matt Rhule’s teams are known to make significant strides in year three, but Penn State will have the upper hand in Happy Valley.
Week 14 at Rutgers: 38-17 W
Greg Schiano’s Rutgers team was hit hard by injuries last season, and there’s still a significant gap between these two teams. Penn State will cruise to a comfortable victory.
With a tough road ahead but a strong roster, Penn State’s 2025 season should culminate in another successful campaign, with an 11-1 record and a solid shot at playoff contention.
