Pro Football Focus is high on Penn State approaching the 2025 season.
Specifically, college football analyst Max Chadwick thinks the Nittany Lions have the best running back room in college football.
Despite multiple pieces graduating, Chadwick is also high on the defensive line. He believes PSU has the best defensive line in the Big Ten.
Chadwick also dubbed Jim Knowles’ new d-line as the fifth best in the sport.
“They don’t really have the depth of other schools,” Chadwick said. “They have two superstars in Zane Durant and Dani-Dennis Sutton.”
Durant led all defensive tackles with 14 tackles for loss. No. 28 totaled 28 pressures, which ranked top 25. Chadwick regards Durant as his No. 2 DT in the country.
“Dani Dennis-Sutton could be the third straight Penn State edge rusher to go in the first round of a draft,” Chadwick said. “Since 2023, he has the second-most pressures among power four edge rushers with 75.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Dennis-Sutton would join Abdul Carter (2025) and Chop Robinson (2024) first-round pass rushers to be selected in the first round.
Penn State ranked 8th in points per game (16.5) and 9th in rushing yards per game (101.9) under defensive coordinator Tom Allen.
Knowles signed a three-year deal worth $3.1 million per season to leave Ohio State for Happy Valley in a surprising coaching change. Allen left to be the DC at Clemson to be closer to family.
Penn State allowed 16 rushing touchdowns in 16 games. Knowles’ defense ranked 1st in points (12.9) and total offense (254.6). The Buckeyes ranked 3rd in passing yards (167) and 3rd in rushing (87.6) en route to winning the national championship.
Penn State hosts Nevada Aug. 30 to start the 2025 season after reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals last season, winning 13 total games.
