Penn State Nittany Lions Football

The Penn State Nittany Lions are gearing up for a high-stakes 2025 football season, fueled by playoff-level expectations and a roster stacked with returning talent. They aren’t flying under anyone’s radar this year, and they know it.

Drew Allar is back under center after a strong 2024 showing and another offseason of buzz. The former five-star finished last season with 24 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions, and his decision to delay the NFL is a major win for Penn State. Backing him up are Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik, with freshman Bekkem Kritza waiting in the wings.

In the backfield, it’s still the duo everyone knows. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen return for what feels like year ten (it’s year four), and they’re still giving defenses headaches. Both have a real shot to go over 1,000 yards again, especially with the offensive line returning most of its starters.

Last season, Penn State averaged 34 points per game, good for 15th in the country. Expect more of the same, and maybe more tempo, under OC Andy Kotelnicki, who joined from Kansas and knows how to open things up.

On defense, Tom Allen’s unit was top-tier in 2024, giving up just 14 points per game, third best in the nation. He’s moved on, and now Jim Knowles steps in from Ohio State to run the show. The system will look a little different, but stars like safety Jaylen Reed and linebacker Abdul Carter are back to anchor the core. The secondary is deep. The question is whether the D-line can reload fast enough.

As of late July, Penn State ranks 6th in Action Network’s college football betting power ratings with a power rating of 94.6. That puts them just behind Clemson and ahead of Oregon. No Big Ten team not named Ohio State is ranked higher. The Lions aren’t chasing the top. They’re already in the conversation.

Penn State Nittany Lions Point Spreads

Penn State didn’t just win games in 2023. They also got the job done at the window, finishing 10-3 against the spread. If you were betting with your gut or just tailing the power ratings, it probably worked out fine.

To cover a spread, the favorite has to win by more than the line. The underdog can still lose, just not by too much.

Here’s how it plays out:

• Penn State -3 (-110)
• Michigan +3 (-110)

If Penn State wins 21-20, they win the game but don’t cover. To cash a Penn State ticket in that scenario, you needed them to win by at least four. If the final score lands exactly on the spread, it’s a push and you get your money back.

Penn State Nittany Lions Over/Unders

Over/under bets are about total points. Doesn’t matter who wins. You’re just betting on how wild or quiet the scoreboard gets.

Penn State hit the over in 9 of 13 games in 2023, about 69 percent. That tracks when you look at how explosive the offense was and how quickly they could flip field position.

Let’s say the total is set at 55.5 in a matchup with Maryland. If the game ends 31-27, that’s 58 points and a win for the over. If it finishes 28-24, that’s just 52, and the under cashes.

Overs tend to attract more casual money, especially when Penn State is playing fast and the backfield is lighting it up. But if you think Knowles is going to slow things down on defense, maybe the under is worth a look this year.

Penn State Nittany Lions Moneylines

Not into margins or math? That’s what moneylines are for. You just pick who wins. No need to beat the number.

Here’s a typical setup:

• Penn State +375
• Ohio State -375

If Penn State is a +375 underdog and pulls off the win, a $10 bet pays $47.50. That’s your $10 back, plus $37.50 in profit. If they’re the -375 favorite, it flips. You’d have to wager $37.50 just to win $10.

Moneylines are also great for parlays. Want to link Penn State’s moneyline with an over from another game? That combo could bump up your payout. Just remember, one miss and the whole thing is toast.

Penn State Nittany Lions Props

Props are where it gets personal. You can bet on specific stat lines for players like Allar, Singleton, and Allen. Passing yards, rushing touchdowns, longest run. If it’s in the box score, it might be available.

Drew Allar passing over/unders are usually popular, and depending on the opponent, you’ll see lines in the 240 to 280 yard range. Singleton’s rushing props could be right around the century mark in big games.

Keep in mind, college props aren’t legal in every state, and they’re a little more limited than NFL offerings. But when they’re available, they’re a fun way to stay engaged even if the game itself gets out of hand.

Penn State Nittany Lions Futures

This one’s for the big-picture thinkers. Futures markets let you bet on season-long outcomes, and Penn State has value if you believe they can finally break through.

In July, Penn State sits around +2200 to win the national title and +500 to win the Big Ten. They’re the third most likely team in the conference behind Ohio State and Michigan.

Other futures markets include win totals (likely set at 9.5 or 10.5 depending on the book), CFP appearances, and player award odds. If you’re high on Allar, he might be a sneaky Heisman longshot. If you’re really high on Knowles, you can find Penn State to be the best scoring defense in the country again.