Penn State vs Nevada Preview 2025 Season Opener

Special Teams Questions

Special teams are still unsettled as Penn State enters Week 1. Singleton and King Mack are both options on kick return, while punt return reps will be split between Peña, Ross, and Tracy. The coaching staff views these roles as proving grounds for younger players, and freshmen like Howard know special teams snaps are the key to breaking into the offensive rotation. Expect the first three weeks to determine who solidifies those roles for the Big Ten schedule.

Freshmen and Depth Development

Two true freshmen are already cleared to contribute immediately. Edge rusher Chaz Coleman and cornerback Daryus Dixson impressed enough in camp to be “green lit” for full seasons. Coleman should see reps right away with Fisher easing back from injury. Dixson enters a crowded cornerback room but has shown the polish needed to earn early opportunities.

Penn State will use the opener to get young players meaningful snaps across the board. The coaching staff wants to see how underclassmen respond in live action, particularly in the secondary and along the offensive line. These games matter for building the depth that Franklin insists will be critical when the schedule tightens.

Nevada’s New Look

Nevada’s roster underwent major turnover with more than 50 new players. Quarterback Chubba Purdy, brother of San Francisco 49ers star Brock Purdy, finally enters a season opener fully healthy. Film from his time at Nebraska and his limited snaps at Nevada last season shows a quarterback with mobility that creates challenges, but also one whose inconsistent reads and processing against coverage leave opportunities for Penn State’s defense to bait him into mistakes.

Running back Herschel Turner emerged late in camp as the lead option, with Texas transfer Ky Woods in the rotation. At receiver, injuries slowed development, but Marcus Bellon and Texas Tech transfer Jordan Brown headline the group. The offensive line adds several new faces, and their ability to handle Penn State’s pass rush will dictate how long Nevada can stay competitive.

Defensively, Nevada must improve on last year’s struggles. The Wolf Pack allowed nearly 400 yards per game in 2024 and produced little pressure. Choate added six new defensive backs and emphasized rotation along the line and linebackers to keep players fresh. Still, Penn State’s talent edge will be difficult to match.

The Wolf Pack Challenge

Choate understands the challenge ahead. In his pregame press conference for Penn State week, he praised the Nittany Lions’ talent, saying they resemble “national championship-caliber programs.” He emphasized to his team that competing together is their only chance to handle PSU’s size and speed. For Nevada, this game is more about growth than results.  “Compete and improve from the first quarter to the fourth quarter”, Choate said. “We want to go out and be as competitive as we can, and our last rep in that game has to be better than the first rep we took. That’s kind of what it’s about.”

Travel adds another layer. The Wolf Pack will fly into State College’s small airport, requiring refueling en route. It is another obstacle in a week already stacked against them. Still, Choate said he views the opportunity as a chance to demand focus from his team and set a standard for the rest of the season.

Outlook for Week 1

For Penn State, the goal is clear. Stay healthy, work through depth questions, and get young players meaningful reps. The Nittany Lions want to solidify their receiver rotation, polish communication in the secondary, and continue building along the offensive line.

Nevada enters as a major underdog, but the Wolf Pack should compete with energy and test PSU with Purdy’s legs. Even so, Penn State’s depth, experience, and talent across every position should carry the day comfortably. Week 1 is about preparation for bigger challenges ahead, and Beaver Stadium expects nothing less than a sharp opening performance.