DC’s Penn State After leaving, Jim Knowles takes a vicious three-word shot at Ohio State.

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through both the Ohio State and Penn State fanbases, Jim Knowles, the former defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes, has taken a scathing shot at his former program. After leaving Ohio State and accepting the defensive coordinator position at Penn State, Knowles made a biting remark that has captivated the college football world: “They’ll never win.”

The three words, seemingly simple but laced with significant implications, were delivered during a press conference on the day he was introduced at Penn State. In the moment, Knowles was asked about the challenges and opportunities of taking over a defense at a program with such rich tradition and high expectations. His response, however, quickly spiraled into an attack on his former team.

“They’ll never win,” Knowles said. “Not with the way they operate. There’s no way they’ll ever win it all again. Not the way they’re built.”

This cryptic but direct statement has left fans, analysts, and even Ohio State insiders questioning not only Knowles’ motives but also his reasons for leaving Ohio State in the first place. Was this a calculated move to fuel an already fierce rivalry between Ohio State and Penn State? Or was it a reflection of deeper frustrations that had been simmering behind closed doors during Knowles’ time in Columbus?

To understand the magnitude of Knowles’ words and why they are so significant, we must first explore his background at Ohio State, the circumstances surrounding his departure, and the broader context of his comments within the framework of college football’s high-stakes environment.

Jim Knowles: The Architect of Ohio State’s Defensive Revival

When Jim Knowles was hired as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator in 2022, his reputation as one of the most respected defensive minds in college football preceded him. After several successful years at Oklahoma State, where he built one of the nation’s most formidable defenses, Knowles seemed like the perfect fit for a program that had long struggled to match its offensive success with equally dominant defense.

In his first season with the Buckeyes, Knowles implemented a scheme designed to maximize pressure on the quarterback while improving pass coverage and tackling in open space. The results were immediate. Ohio State’s defense showed significant improvement, particularly in high-profile games, and was a key factor in the team’s success during the regular season.

But despite the improvements, Ohio State’s defense still showed vulnerabilities, especially in big games. The most notable of these came in the 2023 season when the Buckeyes, once again, faltered against Michigan in their annual rivalry game. Despite Knowles’ best efforts, Ohio State’s defense was unable to stop the Michigan offense, allowing the Wolverines to gain crucial yards and secure a victory that ultimately cost Ohio State a chance at the College Football Playoff. This loss, which marked the second consecutive year that Ohio State had been defeated by Michigan, began to cast doubt on Knowles’ ability to fully transform the defense into an elite unit capable of winning championships.

The loss in the 2023 season was not the only issue that raised questions about Knowles’ tenure in Columbus. There were increasing murmurs from both inside and outside the program about a lack of cohesion between the defensive scheme Knowles was running and the talent on the roster. Ohio State’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and star playmakers, continued to carry the team, while the defense was at times inconsistent.

Knowles’ decision to leave Ohio State after just two seasons was met with surprise and confusion. To many, it seemed that he had unfinished business with the Buckeyes—business that included developing the defense into the championship-caliber unit that would complement Ohio State’s offensive firepower. But Knowles did not seem content with that prospect. His departure from Ohio State was swift and direct, without the typical fanfare or buildup that accompanies a coach’s exit. Soon after, news broke that he had been hired by Penn State to take over as their defensive coordinator.

A Deep Rivalry: Ohio State and Penn State

Jim Knowles’ decision to leave Ohio State for Penn State is more than just a coaching change—it is a move that directly impacts one of the most heated rivalries in college football. The rivalry between Ohio State and Penn State, particularly in the Big Ten, has been one of the defining storylines of the conference for years. While Michigan is Ohio State’s most storied rival, the Nittany Lions have long been a formidable opponent in the East Division, and their games often have significant implications for the conference standings.

Penn State has historically been a thorn in Ohio State’s side, with several memorable upsets and near-upsets over the years. The 2024 season was no exception, as Penn State played Ohio State in a game that was expected to have major playoff ramifications. As Penn State continues to improve under head coach James Franklin, Knowles’ presence on the sidelines for the Nittany Lions adds another layer of intrigue and competition to the rivalry. His defensive mind, paired with Penn State’s talent, could make the Nittany Lions a much more dangerous opponent for Ohio State moving forward.

Given the high stakes of the rivalry, Knowles’ move to Penn State automatically raised the intensity of the competition. However, his recent comments only intensified the drama.

“They’ll Never Win”: A Shot at Ohio State’s Future

When Knowles made his now-infamous remark, “They’ll never win,” during his introductory press conference at Penn State, the immediate reaction from Ohio State fans was one of shock, followed by anger and disbelief. Ohio State has been one of the most successful programs in college football over the past few decades, regularly competing for Big Ten titles, College Football Playoff spots, and national championships. For Knowles to dismiss their chances of ever winning it all again seemed to many like a personal attack, not just on Ohio State, but on the very fabric of its football program.

At first glance, Knowles’ comment could be interpreted as an emotional response to the challenges he faced in his brief tenure at Ohio State. Perhaps his frustrations with the program’s defensive struggles led to a public outburst, one that was perhaps fueled by a sense of bitterness over his departure. However, there is a deeper layer to this remark that needs to be considered. Knowles did not just say “They won’t win” or “They’re not good enough.” He specifically chose to say, “They’ll never win.” The use of the word “never” implies a long-term, possibly existential criticism of Ohio State’s program, suggesting that the issues that have plagued their defense are systemic and cannot be overcome with the current structure in place.

This criticism is likely rooted in his perspective on Ohio State’s overall program philosophy. During his time in Columbus, Knowles may have felt that the focus on offensive dominance and recruiting had overshadowed the importance of building a defense capable of competing at the highest level. In his eyes, Ohio State’s reliance on offensive firepower might hinder its ability to win a national championship, especially if the defense continues to fall short in high-stakes games.

By making this statement, Knowles has essentially challenged the entire Ohio State program and cast doubt on its future prospects. For a coach of his caliber to make such a bold claim is not something that can be easily dismissed. His words will undoubtedly add fuel to the rivalry between Ohio State and Penn State, with both fanbases now eagerly awaiting their next showdown.

The Fallout: Ohio State’s Response

Ohio State’s response to Knowles’ comments has been muted, at least publicly. Athletic Director Gene Smith and head coach Ryan Day have both addressed the situation diplomatically, acknowledging that Knowles’ departure is a part of the ever-changing landscape of college football. However, there is no denying the impact of his words on the program and its fans.

In the coming months, Ohio State will have to rally behind its current defensive coordinator, and the focus will likely shift to ensuring that the Buckeyes’ defense can take the next step under new leadership. The Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts will also be under intense scrutiny, as they look to rebuild a defense that can not only compete within the Big Ten but also on the national stage. The pressure is on Ryan Day and his coaching staff to prove that Ohio State can still win championships, despite the apparent criticisms of their program’s future.