In a new interview, Penn State's defensive coordinator says he's going to build the No. 1 defense with the Nittany Lions.

The Philadelphia, PA native coordinated Ohio State defenses last two seasons leaves for Penn State looking to elevate themselves.

Tuesday morning Penn State introduced new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, a seasoned coach James Franklin lured away from Ohio State where he’s had one of the top defenses in college football for the last two seasons.

Penn State made the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles official on Monday. Here's what each had to say about the move

The Nittany Lions' new defensive coordinator opened up about leaving Ohio State for Penn State after winning a national championship — and how he thinks he can help the football team he always viewed as the sport's gold standard.

The talent won’t necessarily be the same. Penn State’s 2025 defense isn’t going to be identical to Jim Knowles’ 2024 defense at Ohio State, although Nittany Lions fans would not mind if there were plenty of similarities.

Penn State made a major coaching hire this month when it poached defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. Knowles, 59, spent two years in Columbus, and his defense played a major role in Ohio State winning its first national championship in a decade this