Biggest questions for Penn State football in 2025
Here is what we are focused on this season. The offense seemed to be the biggest topic in the spotlight this season.
Christopher Sheppard: Will Drew Allar and Andy Kotelnicki continue to click?
In his second season in Kotelnicki's offense, Allar's star started to shine. He saw his completion percentage jump from 59.9 to 66.5 and his passing yardage from just over 2,600 yards to just over 3,300 yards. Needless to say, Allar was a huge aspect of Penn State's run to the CFP semifinals. In this new year however, wholesale change has creeped into the Nittany Lion's roster, as all of their starting WRs could potentially be transfers. While both Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen return as one of the best RB tandems in the nation, Allar and Kotelnicki will have to prove that in a revamped offense, the chemistry they developed last year is still there.
They now believe they have the creativity with their transfer receivers to really expand the offense, and early in the season will be the perfect time to break it out. Nevertheless, there is still a slight chance that this project goes from potential fireworks to failed experiment as the season goes on. Allar and Kotelnicki must be clicking as soon as the season starts, or all that preseason hype will soon fade away.
Sam Wloson: Will passing game take next step?
Penn State got aggressive in the transfer portal in hopes of shoring up its wide receiver corps. Kyron Hudson (USC), Trebor Peña (Syracuse) and Devonte Ross (Troy) should make a big difference on paper, but will we actually see improvement?
In 2023, Penn State brought in transfer receivers Malik McClain (Florida State) and Dante Cephas (Kent State). Many, including myself, thought they would be impact players, but they were largely ineffective. Especially in a post-Tyler Warren world, the Nittany Lions need their receivers to step up. I believe they have the personnel to do it, but I'm not believing it until I see it.
Toluwani Akintunde: Can the defense reload and still be elite without Abdul Carter and Kalen King?
Jim Knowles brings experience but a lot of young guys are stepping into bigger roles. Linebacker depth is thinner and the secondary has to prove it can cover elite Big Ten receivers like Ohio State and Oregon bring. And on offense, I like the receivers more this year, but somebody's gotta actually step up and be that true WR1. Allar can sling it but he needs a reliable go-to guy when it matters.
Andrew Deal: Will the wide receivers produce?
James Franklin went to the transfer portal, adding three receivers who will likely all start to begin the year. The question still remains: will they produce? The receiving room last year struggled to create separation off the line of scrimmage and another year of zero separation could cause more backlash from the blue and white faithful.
With every other position group having known impact players, wide receivers Trebor Peña, Devonte Ross and Kyron Hydson could be the difference makers in Penn State winning a national championship. If the three step up, it could be a big year for the offense and the team.
Kevin McGuire: Did Penn State really fix its wide receiver problem?
The biggest question for me is a pretty obvious one. After going down in the playoff semifinal with zero receiving yards by a wide receiver and so much turnover at the position this offseason, it is fair to wonder if Penn State actually fixed its wide receiver problem. On paper, the answer is a resounding yes with players who were among their respective conference leaders in receiving last year with Devonte Ross and Trebor Peña, and the addition of Kyron Hudson should also be an easy upgrade over what Penn State had. Penn State was as aggressive as it has been in the transfer portal in attacking a position need, but we still have to see how it all comes together on the field.
I like where this is potentially heading. And if it gels quickly, this should be a very fun offensive season for Penn State.
Previous: Bold predictions for Penn State football in 2025
Coming up next: Our preseason offensive MVP picks for Penn State
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State's biggest questions to answer in 2025
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