It appears that Knowles didn't take long to shuck his scarlet red colors and put on the blue and white at Penn State, taking aim at the conference leaders. It's a huge get for Penn State, who already had one of the most productive defenses in the nation last year, and now adds arguably the top defensive coordinator in the sport to the mix in 2025.

Penn State football coach James Franklin announced the hiring of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator Monday morning.

Nittany Lions coach James Franklin seeks to make a bold move, hiring the architect of the Buckeyes' championship defense.