Ryan Day Gives Jim Knowles Update Before Ohio State-Penn State

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 8:11 PM ET

Emotions are anticipated to spill over for Ohio State and Penn State Saturday. This despite James Franklin no longer involved in the rivalry.

Saturday's contest becomes the first time PSU will face the Buckeyes without Franklin since 2013. However, Ryan Day has another familiar man to deal with on the opposite side.

His former defensive coordinator from the 2024 national championship run Jim Knowles is on the other side. It marks the first time both coaches will share the field since they parted ways after the title run. And it led to this update Day provided ahead of the game.

What Update did Ryan Day Provide on Jim Knowles?

Ex-Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leads warm ups prior to a game against Nebraska.Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Multiple reports revealed Knowles and Day butted heads on several ideas. Ultimately they worked together to win the title together.

Knowles, though, fueled the OSU-PSU rivalry by joining the Franklin-led staff during the offseason. Day got asked about seeing his old co-worker now lead a rival. Yet, Day compared it to what the NFL sees.

It's just you're seeing some things that maybe we're not used to. But I guess when you look at the NFL, you see more of that than you would in college. But I guess we're getting more like the NFL. So we try not to take those things personally. But we are human," Day said via 247Sports, alluding there's no real animosity for Knowles.

However, Day adds he hasn't had much communication with his former DC. Especially leading into Saturday's contest.

How Buckeyes Have Fared Post Knowles

Ohio State hasn't missed a beat under new coordinator Matt Patricia.

The former NFL head coach is leading the nation's top defense. OSU is allowing an average of only 216.9 yards per game and surrenders just 3.81 yards per play.

Lastly, OSU has only allowed four opposing touchdowns. These marks are sparking theories of Patricia possibly becoming a head coach again, even if it's at the collegiate level.

Penn State, meanwhile, sits at a respectable No. 20 in the nation for total defense. Knowles knows the OSU personnel well. Except he's navigating through a rare midseason change in Happy Valley.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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