What's next for Penn State?

Penn State Nittany Lions

• 2024 record: 13-3
• Round eliminated: Semifinal
• Biggest question moving forward: A lot of the buzz before the game was centered on the idea quarterback Drew Allar could change course and declare for the NFL draft. It would represent a remarkable reversal after he informed the coaching staff in mid-December he would return for his senior year. That decision led to backup Beau Pribula leaving the team before the playoff run began and transferring to Missouri. For now, it's all speculation, but a firm understanding of Allar's intentions needs to happen relatively soon to allow the coaching staff to prepare for the appropriate scenario.
• Recruiting outlook: James Franklin was plenty productive on the recruiting trail in 2025, landing signatures from 14 ESPN 300 prospects in ESPN's 12th-ranked class. The early signing period flip of four-star in-state tight end pledge Andrew Olesh from Michigan marked a key recruiting win for the Nittany Lions, and Olesh -- the program's highest-rated signee -- leads an impressive tight end class bound for Penn State in 2025, joined by fellow ESPN 300 tight ends Brian Kortovich (No. 246) and Brady O'Hara (No. 279). Top-300 wide receivers Lyrick Samuel and Jeff Exinor Jr. represent two more exciting newcomers on offense as the Nittany Lions close their fourth straight top-15 class.
• Biggest portal priority: Penn State's wide receivers combined for zero catches against Notre Dame. It's clear that was not a position of strength for the Nittany Lions over the course of the season, but they've added two productive playmakers to their wide receiver room in Devonte Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC). Ross proved he can play in the Big Ten with his performance against Iowa this season, burning the Hawkeyes for 62- and 63-yard touchdown passes plus a 77-yard punt return score. Penn State also landed Enai White, a former top-50 recruit from Philadelphia who's moving closer to home after three seasons as a reserve at Texas A&M.
• Under-the-radar offseason priority: The Nittany Lions got a favorable draw with SMU and Boise State to get to this stage, but they didn't fare as well throughout the season against the sport's heavyweights: Ohio State, Oregon and Notre Dame. They need to be able to dictate the style of game better in those types of games if they want to get over the hump.
• Prediction for next season: There is every reason to believe Penn State will remain in a tier similar to this year's: a Big Ten title contender and playoff hopeful. Anything short of that will be a disappointment, and anything beyond that will be a bonus.