Penn State Football: 10 reasons Nittany Lions can win the Big Ten in 2021

6. An elite secondary 

Secondary play has been average at best over the years for Franklin, however, the 2021 version looks to potentially be his best.

With Jaquan Brisker and Tariq Castro-Fields announcing their returns for next fall the secondary is a good mix of veteran leadership and young returning talent.

Last season, Joey Porter Jr. was the breakout star in his first year as a starter, but Keaton Ellis and Marquise Wilson had solid sophomore campaigns. Penn State Football also picked up former Gamecock cornerback Johnny Dixon who can play outside or in the star position in the slot in the transfer portal.

They will need to replace Lamont Wade at safety, but should be ok with Ji’Ayir Brown or Enzo Jennings, as Wade was a sore spot on the backend last season in coverage. Jennings was a highly touted recruit and is a former cornerback so has good coverage skills which is what Brent Pry needs out of that free safety position.