Penn State to Host Second Nittany Lion Fan Academy Event

Penn State University is set to host its second Nittany Lion Fan Academy as a precursor to the home opener football game against Bowling Green on September 7, 2024. The event is scheduled for September 6, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. ET and will take place at Medlar Field, conveniently located across the street from Beaver Stadium. Admission to the event is free for all attendees.

The Nittany Lion Fan Academy serves as a pep rally, allowing fans to engage with the various traditions, chants, cheers, and songs associated with Penn State athletic events. This year, attendees can expect to learn customs that will enhance their experience at Beaver Stadium and throughout the 2024-25 athletic year. Lead by the Penn State Blue Band, the Nittany Lion mascot, and the cheerleading squad, the event promises to be an exciting prelude to the football season. The first 5,000 fans who arrive will also receive free Penn State t-shirts.

As the Nittany Lions prepare for their 2024 season, which kicks off on August 31 against West Virginia, the team is ranked eighth in the preseason AP Top 25 poll after a strong 10-3 season. Head coach James Franklin enters his 11th season with a competitive roster, returning 16 starters, including seven on offense and seven on defense. Quarterback Drew Allar, recognized as a preseason nominee for the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Awards, is stepping into his second year as the Nittany Lions’ starting signal-caller.

In addition to Allar, the team will see the return of running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who shared starting duties last season, as well as Mackey Award nominee Tyler Warren at the tight end position. On the defensive side, standout player Abdul Carter transitions to defensive end after excelling at linebacker, and other key defensive returnees include linebacker Kobe King, safeties KJ Winston and Jaylen Reed, and defensive tackles Dvon J-Thomas and Zane Durant.

To strengthen the squad further, Penn State has recruited four scholarship players through the NCAA Transfer Portal, including cornerbacks A.J. Harris from Georgia and Jalen Kimber from Florida, receiver Julian Fleming from Ohio State, and offensive lineman Nolan Rucci from Wisconsin. Additionally, three walk-ons have joined the team: kicker Chase Meyer from Tulsa, defensive end Jordan Mayer from Wisconsin, and receiver Logan Cunningham from Marietta College.

This season brings a notable change to the coaching staff, as Franklin has appointed three new coordinators: Andy Kotelnicki from the University of Kansas for offense, former Indiana head coach Tom Allen for defense, and Justin Lustig from Vanderbilt for special teams. Franklin expressed excitement about the new coaches, particularly Kotelnicki, who has an impressive track record of creating explosive offenses during his tenure at both Buffalo and Kansas.

Franklin highlighted the significance of these changes, noting that having three new coordinators is an unusual situation. He expressed confidence in Kotelnicki’s ability to integrate into the team’s existing framework while making necessary adjustments to enhance performance. Franklin also emphasized Allen’s valuable experience and perspective, having been a head coach in the conference before, ensuring he is an excellent fit for the program.