Penn State made headlines earlier this offseason by naming Big Ten rival Ohio State DC Jim Knowles as its new defensive coordinator, signaling HC James Franklin’s aggressive push toward a national title. Knowles, who just guided Ohio State’s defense to a championship, arrives with a strong reputation and clear expectations.
RB Nick Singleton, one of the team’s key offensive leaders, said he has already seen changes in the team’s energy and edge since Knowles stepped in. The hire reflects an internal shift in intensity at Penn State, with players feeling a heightened level of competition in practice.
Nick Singleton Notes New Edge at Penn State Under Jim Knowles’ Leadership
Jim Knowles brought a noticeable shift to Penn State’s spring practices after joining the program this winter. The longtime defensive coordinator arrived from Ohio State, where he spent three seasons, most recently helping guide the Buckeyes to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. Players on both sides of the ball are already feeling his impact.
“We played against them every year,” running back Nick Singleton told On3. “They obviously gave us trouble. But coach Knowles is really good, and it’s iron sharpens iron, making us better on the offensive side.”
Nick Singleton was a top-10 RB on NFL draft boards. But he returned to Penn State for a run at a national title.
He tells @On3sports he believes this is the most versatile offense he’s played in
“Everybody isn’t in the box. It’s not just us they have to worry about, it’s the… pic.twitter.com/IS8aMRTECI
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) June 26, 2025
Knowles replaces Tom Allen, who left for Clemson, becoming James Franklin’s third defensive coordinator in four years. With 36 seasons of coaching experience, the Philadelphia native adds veteran leadership to the Nittany Lions’ staff. A former defensive end at Cornell, Knowles graduated in 1987.
His extensive coaching journey includes stops at Cornell, Western Michigan, Ole Miss, Duke, Oklahoma State, and Ohio State. As head coach at Cornell from 2004 to 2009, he compiled a 26-34 record. Knowles later transformed Oklahoma State’s defense into a top-10 unit nationally before joining the Buckeyes in 2022.
During the 2024 season, Knowles’ Ohio State defense led the nation in both yards allowed and scoring defense, helping the program capture its latest national title, the first in the new 12-team College Football Playoff format.
Nick Singleton’s Return for a Penn State Championship Run
Nick Singleton passed on the NFL despite being projected as a top-10 running back on multiple draft boards. Instead, the Penn State star chose to return for another shot at a national championship with the Nittany Lions. Last season, they came up just short, falling in the Semifinal to eventual runner-up Notre Dame.
With an improved passing game and sharper offensive focus, Singleton believes Penn State’s attack will be harder to contain this year. The team’s commitment to enhancing both its running and passing capabilities aims to create a more balanced and unpredictable offense.
“You can just tell it’s a different mindset this year. The receivers are always getting in extra work with Drew, our tight ends, too. We can run the ball and pass at the same time. It’s really good, it’s going to open up a lot of stuff,” Singleton added, highlighting the team’s dedication to offseason improvement.
In 2024, Singleton recorded 1,099 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, and 375 receiving yards with five receiving touchdowns. His all-purpose yards and touchdown totals demonstrate his versatility and importance to the offense.
“I think in our system he projects really, really well,” Knowles added about Singleton. “Great kid, great person, high-level player, and I think that he’s got another couple gears that we’re going to be able to reach here with him this season at NC State.”
