Knowles, who directed a 2024 Ohio State defense that finished No. 1 in fewest yards allowed per game (254.6) and No. 1 in fewest points allowed (12.9), should have a Nittany Lions defense that returns Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zane Durant, Tony Rojas, A.J. Harris and Zakee Wheatley in the top 10 in 2025.

Knowles would fill the void on Penn State’s staff left by Tom Allen, who accepted the same position with Clemson earlier this month.

Ohio State has lost its defensive coordinator to a Big Ten rival. Penn State announced Monday it had hired Jim Knowles as its defensive coordinator. According to multiple reports, Knowles reached a three-year contract with an average annual salary of $3.