Penn State will take on the No. 1 team in the country Saturday afternoon when it faces the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus. The Nittany Lions took to the practice field Wednesday evening in preparation for their clash with OSU.
They look much different than they did at the beginning of the season when this was one of the most highly-anticipated matchups of the college football season. Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer is the starting quarterback after Drew Allar suffered a season-ending injury against Northwestern, while Terry Smith is the interim head coach after James Franklin was fired following the loss to the Wildcats.
Here’s an inside look at the Nittany Lions during the open portion of Wednesday’s practice.
Penn State interim coach Terry Smith stands next to offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki as the offense runs plays during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer makes a pass during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State wide receiver Devonte Ross runs with the ball after making a catch during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State wide receivers coach Marques Hagans talks to Kyron Hudson during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki directs his players during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State special teams coordinator Justin Lustig watches players run a drill during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles watches players run a drill during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State cornerback Daryus Dixson runs a drill during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State linebacker Cam Smith runs a drill during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State running back Kaytron Allen runs a drill during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State running back Nick Singleton runs a drill during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State quarterback Bekkem Kritza runs a drill during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State interim coach Terry Smith watches as the offense lines up to run a play during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
This story was originally published October 29, 2025 at 6:49 PM.
