Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has added fuel to an already simmering rivalry with Penn State after suggesting that Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin may have been intentionally targeting the Buckeyes in his recent remarks concerning quarterback Drew Allar’s injury. The revelation has sparked renewed tension between the two Big Ten powerhouses and raised eyebrows across the college football landscape.
The controversy began during Franklin’s post-spring press conference, when he commented on the lingering effects of Allar’s injury sustained late in the 2023 season. While Franklin stopped short of naming any opposing team, he alluded to a “specific game” in which Allar took unnecessary punishment and the officials, in his view, failed to adequately protect his quarterback. The implication was enough for many to point fingers at Ohio State, whose physical defense harassed Allar throughout their October matchup in Columbus—a game the Buckeyes won 20-12.
When asked about Franklin’s remarks during a recent media availability, Jim Knowles didn’t mince words.
“I’ve seen the comments. If he’s talking about us, then he should just say it,” Knowles said. “But if the implication is that we played outside the rules or with intent to injure—that’s not just wrong, it’s offensive. We play hard, smart, and within the whistle.”
Knowles then went a step further, suggesting Franklin may be strategically stoking controversy to build a narrative ahead of the 2025 season.
“It sounds like he’s trying to shape a storyline or shift blame,” Knowles added. “Maybe it’s for recruiting, maybe it’s to motivate his guys, or maybe it’s to take pressure off his staff. But bringing that into the public months later, without clarity, is a tactic. It’s calculated.”
The Penn State-Ohio State rivalry has always carried intensity, but this war of words introduces a new layer of drama. Franklin, long known for his passionate and sometimes polarizing approach, has not responded directly to Knowles’ remarks. However, insiders close to the Penn State program maintain that Franklin’s comments were meant to express frustration with officiating rather than accuse any team of misconduct.
Still, the damage may already be done. In the world of college football, especially within the Big Ten, even the suggestion of foul play—particularly when injuries are involved—carries significant weight. It also feeds into a growing narrative around the increasing physical toll of marquee conference matchups and the gray area between aggressive play and dangerous hits.
The Allar injury itself was never officially attributed to a single play, though film from the Ohio State game showed him absorbing multiple hard hits from Ohio State’s pass rush. No penalties were assessed for roughing the passer during the game, and neither the Big Ten nor the NCAA issued any post-game disciplinary action.
The timing of Franklin’s comments, paired with Knowles’ swift and stern response, has created a media storm that could linger well into the season. With both teams expected to contend for the Big Ten title, the next meeting between Ohio State and Penn State is now shaping up to be one of the most anticipated—and emotionally charged—games on the 2025 schedule.
In the locker rooms and film rooms of both programs, the verbal jabs are unlikely to be forgotten. Coaches will use the tension to sharpen focus and fuel preparation. Players will circle the matchup on their calendars, knowing the rivalry has added a deeply personal layer this year.
As NIL deals, conference realignment, and playoff expansion dominate broader conversations in college football, rivalries like Ohio State vs. Penn State remain a grounding force—rooted in pride, tradition, and often, pointed words exchanged in the offseason.
For Jim Knowles, the message is clear: if you’re going to challenge the Buckeyes, do it directly. And for James Franklin, intentional or not, his words have now set the stage for one of the most highly scrutinized matchups of the year.
