Finally, Penn State football is about to set upon proving its grandest predictions, expectations and hopes in decades.
There are so many shiny, preseason positives for the program that’s become increasingly pigeonholed for what it’s been able to achieve (high-level consistency) and not (winning big games and titles) under coach James Franklin.
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The Nittany Lions begin the season on Aug. 30 against Nevada with their highest ranking (No. 3), largest collection of preseason All-Americans (four), most decorated coaching staff under Franklin − and the pressure of being a national title favorite.
So how will this team ultimately navigate this season that begins like no other in recent memory?
Here are four bold Penn State predictions for 2025:
Penn State football will boast its best offensive line since 1994
Penn State will win the Joe Moore Award, given to the nation’s top offensive line.
Certainly, this group, featuring preseason All-America guard Vega Ioane and expected NFL Draft picks everywhere else owns not only the most talent but the best depth in three decades.
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They should compare favorably to the 1994 group that paved the way to the Lions’ last undefeated season − arguably the top offensive line in school history.
The overlooked key to success then and now? The ’94 unit thrived from the wipe-out blocking of tight end Kyle Brady, an NFL fixture. This team employs senior tight end Khalil Dinkins, lauded as one of the top blockers in the Big Ten and beyond.
No All-America status for Penn State running backs Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen
Penn State running back Nick Singleton (10) runs to the end zone to score a touchdown on a 17-yard reception in the first half of an NCAA football game against Kent State, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in State College, Pa.
The supposed best running back combination in the country won’t earn All-America honors, after all.
And that’s OK.
So while Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen should be even better this season, even more dynamic, they will be the ultimate share-the-riches story, once again.
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With neither as the single, starring tailback − and with resting during the second half of so many expected blowout victories − neither will generate the statistics worthy of their value.
Look to running backs from places like Notre Dame, Louisville and Washington to get those kind of honors.
Penn State will beat Oregon and Ohio State this season
Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) is is congratulated by head coach James Franklin after defeating the USC Trojans in overtime at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Lions have beaten Ohio State just once since Franklin took over.
They haven’t beaten a Top 10 opponent during the regular season in nine years.
But now they finally own the significant advantages − superiority on the offensive and defensive lines − to break that streak in the biggest ways: Victories over their two marquee opponents, Oregon and Ohio State.
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Possibly even twice (PSU could play each again in the Big Ten Championship Game or College Football Playoff).
Penn State will finally lose to an underdog
Penn State rarely, if ever, loses to a team it should beat. Consistency has become the hallmark of Franklin’s coaching tenure.
But 16-game college football seasons are an unrelenting gauntlet like never − allowing for more damaging letdowns and cracks, even among the best teams
It’s too difficult to go undefeated during the regular season, and it doesn’t ultimately prove your value anymore (see Oregon and Ohio State, 2024).
The Lions will conquer their toughest tests this fall. Rather, their downfall will come on a day when things simply work against them, when an inspired opponent keeps finding more answers.
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On the road against Iowa in October. Or at home against Indiana in November.
A game that won’t ruin their ultimate goal, not in the least: Playing for a national title in Miami in mid-January.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State football 2025 season: Here are our 4 boldest predictions
