“Nittany Lions Roar Back: Penn State Kicks Off Spring Drills with Eyes on 2025 Glory”
**STATE COLLEGE, Pa.** – With the echoes of their first-ever 13-win season still settling, Penn State football ripped the cover off their 2025 spring program on **March 25**, launching a 15-practice push toward what coach James Franklin hopes will be a championship campaign.
Following a heart-wrenching 27–24 loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, the Nittany Lions faced significant roster turnover—key contributors like Abdul Carter, Jaylen Reed, Kobe King and Tyler Warren departed for the NFL draft or transferred—setting the stage for a spring of transition ([wgal.com][1]).
**March Madness, On the Gridiron**
Penn State’s spring slate began with a contact-heavy session on Tuesday, March 25, marking the first on-field practice of the year ([wgal.com][1]). That session kicked off a rigorous March 25–April 26 run comprising 15 practices, culminating in the annual Blue‑White scrimmage on **April 26** ([on3.com][2]).
**Setting Priorities in Prep for Fall**
Coach Franklin and staff have zeroed in on several priority areas this spring:
1. **Rebuilding the receiving corps** – Long considered a weak spot in 2024, the wide receiver group gets a makeover with portal additions like Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross. Spring drills will reveal whether they can supplant departed talents such as Tyler Warren and Harrison Wallace III ([si.com][3]).
2. **Spotlight on true freshmen** – First-year players, including tight end Andrew Olesh and linebacker LaVar Arrington II, will be tested early to determine who stays redshirting and who contributes immediately ([si.com][3]).
3. **Replacing Tyler Warren’s versatility** – The former do-it-all tight end’s absence leaves a sizable void. New offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki must reconfigure plays to redistribute production among the remaining tight ends and skill options ([si.com][3]).
4. **Implementing Jim Knowles’ defense** – The newly hired defensive coordinator carries heavyweight credentials from Ohio State. Spring represents his first opportunity to instill new schemes and principles ([si.com][3]).
5. **Identifying new starters** – Numerous positions, especially defensive end, middle linebacker, cornerback and offensive guard, will be contested. Spring camp will be pivotal in revealing the depth chart’s shape ([si.com][3]).
**New Faces, New Philosophy**
Jim Knowles, introduced as Penn State’s defensive coordinator on **February 4, 2025**, arrives on the heels of a dominant Ohio State defense that led the nation in numerous metrics ([en.wikipedia.org][4]). His installation of a fresh defensive identity will be spring’s undercurrent.
Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, a newcomer from Kansas, seeks to reshape last year’s underwhelming unit and strategically compensate for Warren’s absence ([victorybellrings.com][5]).
Countdown to Blue‑White.
The penultimate practice on April 26 culminates in the Blue‑White Game at Beaver Stadium, scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. ET ([on3.com][2]). The scrimmage returns not just as a warm-up for the season opener on Aug. 30 (against Nevada), but also as a cherished spring tradition for fans, alumni and the local community.
Looking Ahead
Spring ball is about more than building a roster—it’s about culture, cohesion and identity. With a heady mix of youthful talent and veteran leadership—quarterback Drew Allar, running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen—Penn State enters 2025 with playoff expectations firmly entrenched ([si.com][6]).
As the program navigates roster turnover and scheme changes, all eyes will be on how spring practice reshapes the Nittany Lions. Can Franklin and his staff replicate last year’s breakthrough? If spring drills are any indication, Penn State is roaring back—and aiming even higher.
