Penn State is one week removed from being eliminated from the College Football Playoff.

On Thursday, the Nittany Lions were knocked out by Notre Dame in an instant classic that included a late field goal by the Fighting Irish. Penn State featured one of the best defenses in the nation along with many offensive weapons around a future pro under center.

Tyler Warren, who won the Mackey Award as the nation’s best tight end, will be heading to the NFL after catching 104 passes this season. Other than Warren, Penn State will be getting a major boost with stars returning for the 2025 season.

The two-headed monster in the backfield of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen both announced their return to Happy Valley next season.

Singleton capped off a 1,000-yard rushing season with 84 yards and three touchdowns in the semifinals against Notre Dame. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry and led Penn State with 12 rushing touchdowns.

Allen was the team’s leading rusher with 1,108 yards on 220 carries. This was good for an average of five yards while scoring eight touchdowns.

After the running backs announced, Penn State got one final answer from its quarterback.

Once Penn State defeated Boise State, the noise around Drew Allar began to get louder and louder. There were thoughts that he could enter the 2025 NFL Draft if he was expected to be one of the top picks. After the elimination, Allar shared that he would be returning for one final season.

In 2024, Allar completed 66.5% of his passes while throwing for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns with eight interceptions. He added six touchdowns on the ground.

At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Allar has the build to be a successful quarterback at the next level. What we did see was a lapse in judgment in late-game situations, especially on Penn State’s final drive of the season. This is what can be improved in 2025 as Allar prepares for the NFL.

James Franklin will continue to build a strong defense and with multiple offensive weapons back, Penn State expects to contend for a National Championship once again.