Penn State’s 2025 season has been a tale of two halves. After a dominant 3-0 start, the Nittany Lions have stumbled into a 3-4 crisis. However, looking beyond the win-loss record reveals a complex picture of individual brilliance overshadowed by systemic issues.
We assign position grades through the first seven games to pinpoint exactly where the breakdown is happening.
Midseason Report Card
Quarterbacks: C-
- The Good: Drew Allar’s efficiency in non-conference play (8 TDs, 0 INTs) showed his ceiling.
- The Bad: The drop-off following Allar’s injury against Northwestern has been stark.
- The Reality: Ethan Grunkemeyer has been thrust into an impossible situation. His raw talent is visible, but the offense has contracted to protect him.
Running Backs: A
- Key Stat: 5.8 Yards Per Carry (Team Average)
- Analysis: This is the only unit playing at a championship level. Kaytron Allen (736 yards) is arguably the best back in the Big Ten right now. Nicholas Singleton’s usage has been puzzling, but his efficiency remains elite.
- Verdict: The running game is the only reason Penn State is competitive in these close losses.
Wide Receivers: D+
- The Issue: Separation. Aside from senior Devonte Ross, no receiver has consistently won 1-on-1 matchups against Big Ten coverage.
- Impact: This inability to stretch the field has allowed defenses to stack the box against Allen and Singleton, compounding the difficulties for the backup quarterback.
Offensive Line: B
- Pass Protection: Solid (B+). They have given the QBs time.
- Run Blocking: Elite (A-). You don’t average nearly 6 yards per carry without a dominant push up front.
- Why a B?: Penalties in crucial red-zone situations have killed drives in three of the four losses.
Defensive Line: B-
- Pass Rush: Abdul Carter is a one-man wrecking crew (12 sacks pace), but he needs help.
- Run Defense: Inconsistent. Allowing 150+ rushing yards to Oregon and Iowa exposed gap integrity issues.
Coaching: D
- Game Management: F. Losing four games by a combined 26 points points to failures in situational football.
- Adjustments: The team has been outscored significantly in the second half of Big Ten games.
- Outlook: The firing of James Franklin was a direct result of this grade. Interim coach Terry Smith has stabilized the vibe, but the tactical issues remain.
The Path Forward: “Grade” to “Win”
To reach bowl eligibility (6 wins), Penn State doesn’t need to be perfect. They just need to raise the Quarterback play to a “C+” (manageable mistakes) and get the Defense to hold firm in the fourth quarter. The Running Backs are already winning games—the rest of the team just needs to stop losing them.