The 2025 season for Penn State football was a roller coaster in every sense - the kind of ride that had fans gripping the safety bar by mid-October, wondering when the next drop would come. And while the lows were undeniable, the way this team finished the year? That’s the part worth remembering.
After a rocky 3-3 start, Penn State made a major move, parting ways with longtime head coach James Franklin. The program turned to interim head coach Terry Smith, a name that resonates deeply within the Penn State community.
But Smith didn’t inherit a soft landing - far from it. His first three games at the helm were a gauntlet: road trips to Iowa and Ohio State, followed by a home clash with an unbeaten Indiana team.
The Lions dropped all three, falling to 3-6 heading into mid-November.
But then, something clicked.
Penn State ripped off four straight wins to close out the year, capped by a gritty 22-10 victory over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. That win not only gave the Nittany Lions a 7-6 finish but also gave fans a reason to believe again. It wasn’t the season they hoped for, but it ended with heart, resilience, and a glimpse of what might be coming next.
And if you’re looking for a snapshot of what this team became down the stretch, look no further than Dani Dennis-Sutton.
The junior defensive end - who made waves as a true freshman back in 2022 - chose to suit up for the Pinstripe Bowl while several of his draft-eligible teammates opted out. That choice spoke volumes.
Dennis-Sutton didn’t just show up; he dominated. Two sacks, constant pressure, and a motor that never stopped - he played like a man who wanted to leave it all on the field for his team one last time.
Former Nittany Lion linebacker Jason Cabinda, a leader on the 2016 Big Ten title team, summed it up best: “This is what real leadership looks like.” And he’s right. In a year where leadership was often in question, Dennis-Sutton’s commitment stood out.
He should go down as one of the best defensive players to wear the blue and white. His legacy is built not just on production, but on loyalty, toughness, and the kind of example that future Lions will be measured against.
On the other side of the ball, the emergence of redshirt freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer - or “Grunk,” as he’s quickly become known - was one of the most encouraging developments of the season. Over his seven starts, and especially in the final three games, Grunkemeyer showed the kind of growth that gets coaches excited and fanbases dreaming.
He made smart decisions, kept plays alive, and looked more poised each week. With three years of eligibility left, he’s the kind of quarterback programs build around.
The defense also found its footing late in the year, and credit goes to safeties coach Anthony Poindexter, who stepped in to coordinate the unit after Jim Knowles’ departure. Against Clemson, the game plan was sharp, the execution even better. The Tigers never looked comfortable, and Penn State’s defense dictated the tempo from start to finish.
One of the brightest young stars on that defense? Cornerback Daryus Dixson.
The true freshman played beyond his years, and by season’s end, he was making a strong case as one of the best young DBs in the country. Retaining him will be crucial for the Lions moving forward.
And then there’s Terry Smith.
Smith’s impact on this program goes far beyond the interim title. He’s a Penn State lifer - a former standout wide receiver, a captain on the 1991 team under Joe Paterno, and one of the program’s most respected recruiters and position coaches.
Stepping into the head coaching role during a turbulent season, Smith steadied the ship and helped guide the team to a strong finish. The players rallied around him, and that says everything about the respect he commands inside the locker room.
Now, the program turns the page to Matt Campbell, who takes over with momentum and a promising young core. There’s plenty of work ahead, but the final stretch of 2025 showed that the foundation is there.
This team didn’t quit. It regrouped, it fought, and it finished strong. And in college football, how you finish can sometimes matter more than how you start.
Let’s see where the next chapter leads.