Penn State picked as No. 2 offense in college football for 2025

Penn State football returns a roster that is loaded to bear this fall. Despite the program’s historic reputation for hard-nosed defensive football, the Nittany Lions’ push to reach the national championship in 2025 could very well be led on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage.

This week, Penn State was rated as the No. 2 offense in college football this season by Pro Football Focus’s Max Chadwick. Clemson took the top spot.

In addition to returning stars in the backfield, Chadwick looked to key transfer portal additions at wide receiver as the biggest reasons why the Nittany Lions claimed the No. 2 ranking.

“Penn State is the only team to be mentioned in all of PFF’s quarterbacks, running back units, receiving corps, and offensive line rankings,” he wrote. “The Nittany Lions topped the running back unit rankings, thanks to two of the top-six running backs in college football: Nicholas Singleton (No. 3) and Kaytron Allen (No. 6). They will take handoffs from Drew Allar, PFF’s No. 4 quarterback in the FBS.

“Penn State addressed its biggest issue over the past few years, wide receiver, this offseason through the transfer portal, securing impactful additions like Trebor Pena, Devonte Ross, and Kyron Hudson.”

Top 10 Best Offenses in College Football🔥 pic.twitter.com/tw5yugoJr8

— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 15, 2025

Penn State returns eight offensive starters from its 2024 lineup. Even with well-documented woes at receiver, the Nittany Lions finished top ten in passing efficiency and ranked in the top 30 for total yards and scoring.

The Nittany Lions will have several lighter non-conference contests to work through their remaining questions offensively, including finding a go-to pass catcher and determining who will replace Tyler Warren at tight end. The Big Ten slate opens with a pair of early tests, starting with a potential top-five matchup against Oregon on September 27 followed by a cross-country road trip to UCLA the following week.

Penn State begins the 2025 season in 45 days against Nevada.

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