It’s never too early to dive into the excitement of college football predictions! As we look ahead to the upcoming season, Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt has shared his thoughts on which teams might make a splash in his latest episode of “The Joel Klatt Show.”
Surprising Predictions for the 2025 Season
Despite Ohio State’s impressive national championship victory over Notre Dame in Atlanta, Klatt has a surprise team at the top of his list for next fall: the Penn State Nittany Lions. Yes, you read that right! This is a team that faced Ohio State last season and came up short, yet they managed to make a deep postseason run. What makes them a team to watch?
A Strong Core of Returning Players
The Nittany Lions are set to return a host of key players, which is a significant reason for Klatt’s optimism. Quarterback Drew Allar, who has now started 29 games, will lead the charge. He’s not just any quarterback; he’s poised to become one of the most experienced signal-callers in college football. Alongside him, running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen are back for their fourth year, forming a formidable trio that can wreak havoc on opposing defenses.
But that’s not all! Penn State also retains defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton and several other vital contributors. This continuity is crucial for a team looking to build on last season’s success and push for a national championship.
James Franklin’s Blueprint for Success
Klatt believes that Penn State is on the brink of greatness. “Penn State is going to be my No. 1 team in my way-too-early top-10 for 2025,” he declared. The Nittany Lions have improved year after year under head coach James Franklin, and they came tantalizingly close to victory against Notre Dame last season. With their key players returning, Klatt sees this as the perfect opportunity for Penn State to take the next step.
Favorable Schedule Ahead
Another reason for Klatt’s enthusiasm is the Nittany Lions’ schedule this fall. It’s looking pretty favorable, which is always a plus for any team aiming for a championship run. While they’ll face tough opponents like Oregon at home on September 27 and a road game against Ohio State on November 1, their non-conference slate is manageable. They’ll kick off the season against Nevada on August 30, followed by games against FIU on September 6 and Villanova on September 13.
In conference play, Penn State will face teams like Northwestern, UCLA, and Michigan State—each of whom struggled last season and failed to clinch a bowl bid. Plus, they’ll take on the Indiana Hoosiers on November 8, a team that has much to prove after a surprising College Football Playoff appearance last year.
Building on Experience and Depth
What makes this Nittany Lions team even more exciting is the depth they possess. With four of five starters returning on the offensive line, Allar will have the protection he needs to make plays. The experience of Singleton and Allen, who have been starting together since their freshman year, adds another layer of stability. Their chemistry and familiarity with the system will be invaluable as they aim for a championship run.
Klatt emphasizes the importance of this experience: “Drew Allar has started 29 games now. He’s gonna be one of the more experienced quarterbacks in college football.” This level of experience can make a significant difference in high-pressure situations, especially in crucial games.
Can Penn State Make a Deep Run?
As we gear up for the new season, the big question remains: Can Penn State capitalize on this momentum and make a deep run in the playoffs? With a strong core of returning players, a favorable schedule, and a coach who knows how to build a winning program, the Nittany Lions are certainly a trendy pick.
For now, it remains to be seen if Klatt’s predictions will come to fruition. But with all the pieces in place, it’s hard not to be excited about what Penn State could achieve this season. The combination of talent, experience, and a solid schedule could very well lead them to a national championship.
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the Nittany Lions are knocking on the door. Will they burst through and claim the glory that has eluded them for so long? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable, and Penn State is a team to watch closely!
