From Ohio State to Penn State: Knowles Next Build
Jim Knowles is the architect of building elite defenses. He’s done it at Duke, Oklahoma State, and most recently at Ohio State, where his unit led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024. In one of the boldest coaching moves of the offseason, Knowles has returned home to Pennsylvania to join Penn State as their new defensive coordinator, signing a record-setting $3.1 million per year deal over three years. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes held opponents to just 254.6 yards per game and 4.2 yards per play, cementing his status as one of the most effective defensive minds in college football.
Unlocking Penn State’s Full Defensive Potential
The Nittany Lions concluded the 2024 season at 13–3 before falling to Notre Dame in the semifinal. Knowles’ arrival could elevate Penn State’s football team back to elite status. His system thrives on versatility and defensive coordination, two traits that align perfectly with Penn State’s athletic, veteran roster. Perhaps even more valuable is the insider knowledge Knowles brings from his time at Ohio State and other previous teams, a tactical edge that could swing the Big Ten rivalry in Penn State’s favor. With the right implementation and strategy, he could transform an already powerful unit into one of the most feared defenses in the next college football season.
Can Knowles Make History Twice?
If Knowles can replicate the success he had with Ohio State, he may become the rare coordinator to impact two playoff-caliber programs in back-to-back seasons and elevate Penn State back into the top five defensively. His legacy at Ohio State is already defined by a national title built on discipline, deception, and a unit that set the standard nationally. At Penn State, the opportunity may be even more significant. The Nittany Lions finished sixth in the CFP standings last season, and with the expanded College Football Playoff and the Big Ten in transition, the timing couldn’t be better for a breakthrough. Jim Knowles’ defensive strategy and spirit for college football may be the key Penn State needs to get back on top and win the national championship this season.
