Ohio State Faces Penn State Amidst Coaching Changes and Rivalry Tensions

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State will host Penn State on Saturday, November 2, in a matchup filled with intrigue and rivalry. The game marks the return of Jim Knowles, the former Buckeyes defensive coordinator, who left Ohio State shortly after the national championship victory in January 2025 to take a three-year, $9 million contract at Penn State.

Ryan Day, Ohio State’s head coach, acknowledged the abruptness of Knowles’ departure and expressed mixed feelings about their past relationship. “He did a great job when he was here, helped us win a national championship, but we left it at that,” Day said. “There really hasn’t been much communication since.”

Penn State enters the game struggling with a 3-4 record and a four-game losing streak, but Day remains cautious. “We know this is one of the top teams in the country,” he stated, highlighting the talent on the Nittany Lions’ roster. Despite the losses, each game was decided by a single score, indicating a competitive spirit even in defeat.

In previous matchups, Ohio State has dominated, winning the last eight contests against Penn State. However, with Knowles now coaching the opposing defense, he may bring unexpected defensive strategies against a Buckeye offense that has had its ups and downs this season with a run game averaging 151 yards per game.

Ohio State’s current rushing game struggles have seen the team averaged just 102 yards over the last two games against Illinois and Wisconsin. Day addressed the need for improvement, saying, “It’s been good, but has it been great? No, it hasn’t been great.” Freshman running back CJ Donaldson is expected to lead the Buckeye backfield against a struggling Nittany Lions’ defense that has allowed 200 rushing yards per game during their losing streak.

Despite Knowles’s arrival at Penn State, Day is keeping his guard up. “We have to be on high alert at all times for things,” he said, stressing the importance of readiness against a talented opponent. With a new quarterback, Ethan Grunkemeyer, starting for Penn State, Knowles’ defense will be tested against a formidable Ohio State offense, now led by Julian Sayin.

The stakes are high in this rivalry game not just for pride but also for playoff implications. The Buckeyes are focusing on maintaining their undefeated season, while the Nittany Lions, under interim coach Terry Smith, aim to upset the No. 1-ranked team in the nation.

The game kicks off at noon ET and will be broadcast on Fox at Ohio Stadium, where a capacity crowd is expected to increase the intensity.