Penn State’s Offensive Identity Crisis: Andy Kotelnicki Addresses Season Struggles, QB Transition, and What Comes Next

STATE COLLEGE, Pa.—After seven games, Penn State’s offense sits at a stunning No. 99 nationally in total offense—a statistic that underscores just how far expectations have fallen in 2025. With the Nittany Lions reeling after a 25-24 loss at Iowa and the midseason firing of head coach James Franklin, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki met with reporters Wednesday to confront the reality of the unit’s collapse.

“We haven’t played the way we were hoping,” Kotelnicki admitted. “You go to the next game, the next moment. There’s not a lot to say other than we have to be better.”

Passing Woes and Quarterback Transition

Penn State ranks 111th in passing offense (185.4 yards per game) and 95th in passer rating (128.66). Starter Drew Allar’s season-ending injury against Northwestern forced redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer into action, and his debut at Kinnick Stadium—15-of-28 for 93 yards and two interceptions—reflected the challenges of a first start under pressure.

“I was not displeased with his performance,” Kotelnicki said. “He handled it really well… now it’s about that Start 1 to Start 2 improvement.”

The coordinator noted that while Grunkemeyer brings “suddenness in the pocket,” he lacks the “savviness at the line of scrimmage” that Allar developed with experience. Kotelnicki emphasized that the offensive plan will continue evolving around the young signal-caller’s strengths.

A Stalled Supporting Cast

The passing game’s decline has exposed deeper structural issues. Wide receivers have struggled to separate, while star running back Nick Singleton—once a dynamic playmaker—is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry.

“We’ve got to get him on the perimeter and let his speed show up,” Kotelnicki said of Singleton. “Those windows just haven’t been there.”

Kotelnicki also addressed the limited roles of young receivers Koby Howard and Tyseer Denmark, who have shown incredible skill in practice but minimal production on game days. “It’s part of the evaluation process,” he said. “We have to find opportunities for them, but snaps are limited.”

Looking Ahead

Despite speculation about staff changes and Kotelnicki’s own future, the coordinator insists he’s focused solely on preparing the team. “The uncertainty is magnified right now,” he said. “The best thing you can do for your future is to be present and do a hell of a job today.”

As Penn State enters its bye week, the challenge is clear: rediscovering an offensive identity before the season slips away completely. For Kotelnicki, that means simplifying, recalibrating, and, above all, finding a rhythm that has eluded the Nittany Lions since Week 1.