Why Penn State Could Win the National Title

The Penn State Nittany Lions head into this upcoming season with their best chance to win the National Championship since Head Coach James Franklin took over. 

The Big 10 school made it to the College Football Playoff Semifinal, but lost to Notre Dame after a disastrous interception by quarterback Drew Allar at the end of regulation. Speaking of Allar, he heads back to school for another season after opting out of the NFL Draft. 

Penn State is once again loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, thanks to exceptional transfer portal acquisitions and recruiting efforts. Some see Ohio State again as the favorite in the Big Ten, but look for the Nittany Lions to win the conference and compete in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami, Florida. 

Let’s break down why Penn State can finally get over the hump this season and be the last team standing. 

Penn State’s Case for the National Title

Returning Key Players on Offense

I’ll admit it, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Allar at quarterback when he first arrived at Penn State, but over time, he’s shown he has progressed each season. If you look at the quarterback landscape, there aren’t many proven starters in the college game besides Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. 

Allar will also be happy to see running back Nicholas Singleton returning for his Senior season, along with Kaytron Allen, which may be the best one-two punch in college football. Singleton and Allen both rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, and most expect the same and raise the bar even higher this season.

The offensive line will also see familiar faces as the Nittany Lions return four starters from last year’s squad, which in today’s era is highly unlikely. Expect this offensive line to produce again at a high level and give protection for Allar, as well as opening holes for their talented running backs. 

On the outside, the team is returning multiple starters at wide receiver. Kyron Hudson will play again this year as a Redshirt Senior and will be called upon to produce more. Penn State dipped heavily into the transfer portal at the position, grabbing Devonte Ross (Troy), Trebor Pena (Syracuse), and Kyron Hudson (USC). Expect to see more production out of the position than last season, which will only make this offense more difficult to face. 

At tight end this year, it will be unrealistic to expect Luke Reynolds and Khalil Dinkins to live up to Tyler Warren. Who was the best tight end in the sport last season? Expect Reynolds and Dinkins to have solid seasons using their big frames to cause damage to opposing defenses. 

Defense is Loaded with Talent Again

When fans of college football think of Penn State, most have the defense pop into their minds. It’s no different this year, as the defense may be the best in the country heading into this season. 

New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has crafted Oklahoma State’s best defense in almost 15 years, and the Nittany Lions should excel in his defensive scheme.

The defensive line has a ton of talent once again. It will be tough to replace Abdul Carter, but defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton should fill the void nicely. He will be aided by defensive tackle Zane Durant, and between Durant and Dennis-Sutton, they combined for 26 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.

The linebacking core will be the strength on that side of the ball. Tony Rojas returns for his junior season and will have experience by his side as Dom Deluca returns as a redshirt senior. Penn State also recruited freshman Lavar Arrington II, who’s the son of former Penn State All-American and Washington Commanders linebacker Lavar Arrington.

The secondary will be reliant on corner A.J.Harris and safety Zakee Wheatley to secure the back end. This position group will have the biggest question marks, but with a track record of Knowles, expect this defense to thrive once again. 

Overall, the starting 11 on defense is highly talented, but the depth is still a question mark. Expect the defense to force turnovers and leave short fields for an offense that is expected to take the next step heading into the season. 

Schedule Prediction

Wins: vs Nevada, vs NIU, vs Villanova, vs Oregon, @ UCLA, vs Northwestern, @ Iowa, vs Indiana, @ Michigan State, vs Nebraska, @ Rutgers

Losses: @ Ohio State, 

Overall Record: 11-1, College Football Playoff Appearance

Penn State has the easiest out-of-conference schedule among the favorites to win the National Championship. Their only test in the regular season will be Ohio State, and the Nittany Lions should be able to roll through Oregon, as they are expected to take a step back this season. Expect Penn State to play in the last game of the season and have a chance to bring home the National Title. 

Betting Odds to win National Championship, according to FanDuel: +700

Main Image: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images