Expectations are sky high for Penn State to finally finish the job.
Multiple analysts and media members are jumping on the bandwagon, believing this team can win a national championship.
Add one of the most polarizing and most listened to radio hosts in the country to the list.
Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd has predicted Penn State to go back to Miami Gardens a year after losing there in the College Football Playoff semifinals, this time with the national championship trophy in the building.
“I think Penn State and Texas are going to play for the national championship,” Cowherd said.
Texas lost to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl during the CFP semifinals. Cowherd included Penn State in his National Championship bubble alongside Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon and Texas. Clemson, Notre Dame and Alabama are on the outside peering in.
He pointed to Penn State adding defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and Drew Allar’s development as key factors.
“First of all, they went and poached Ohio State’s defensive coordinator,” Cowherd said. “Their coaching staff and coordinator staff is world class. I think Drew Allar is going to be the second best quarterback in the county to Arch Manning.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen return for their senior seasons a year removed from 1,000-yard campaigns.
“Their running backs are both pros,” he said. “Penn State’s offense is going to be a machine. I think they will play for the national championship.”
Cowherd wasn’t always an Allar fan, but was sold following a 13-3 season where the 6-foot-5 signal-caller from Medina, Ohio, completed 66.5% of his passes with a 152.5 quarterback rating.
“Drew Allar improved his accuracy,” Cowherd said. “I didn’t like him two years ago. I watched him last year and was like ‘oh yeah, that’s a top 10 pick in the draft.’”
Cowherd doubled down on his statement before welcoming Allar and James Franklin on his show this week during Big Ten Media Days.
The Nittany Lions host Nevada on August 30 to begin the 2025 season at Beaver Stadium.
