Penn State players and fans found their head coach, even though he hasn't been hired

Interim head coach Terry Smith reinvigorated Penn State football after former head coach James Franklin was fired with an 0-3 start in Big Ten play. Since Smith took over to close out the 2025 season, the Nittany Lions' locker room immediately glued back together and played on the field with a level of fight that was absent at the start of the season. Even after losses, Penn State returned with a fire to win, putting the past in the past.

Former Penn State QB gives massive endorsement of Terry Smith as next head coach

After winning back-to-back games, Michigan State and Nebraska, the impact Smith has on the team cannot go unnoticed. In fact, the players and fans won't let it get brushed under the rug.

"These guys listen to me, trust me, and they're going out there playing great football," Smith said after the win over the Cornhuskers on Saturday on the field. "It's my locker room."

Nicholas Singleton says Terry Smith is the engine of Penn State football

In a postgame interview on the field for the NBC broadcast, running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton were asked about their performances and the effect Smith has on the Nittany Lions. Singleton responded, saying Smith is the enngine of the offense, defense, and special teams. He's an all-round coach that gets the players ready and prepared, setting the tone for each practice and each game.

Singleton isn't the only one rallying behind his interim head coach. After the game as players and coaches went on the field, the Nittany Lions held up signs, reading, "Hire Terry Smith." They made sure to get on the NBC broadcast, even if it meant appearing in the back of Smith's on-field interview.

Offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh also got in the camera adamantly saying "Immediately," in regards to hiring Smith full-time.

Smith belongs in Happy Valley, whether he gets the head coach position or not. Even though it took some time for Smith to get his first win, he put the team back into conversation of making a bowl game, finishing .500 even. The performances ahead of those two wins also proved that Smith brought back the identity of Penn State football.

That identity extends beyond the field as well.

Players and fans rally behind Terry Smith to be the next Penn State head coach

On Saturday, fans chanted "Terry" in support of the interim head coach. After the win, they celebrated him with more chants as he walked down the tunnel off the field.

Those chants during the game were also supported by the players on the field. Quarterback Drew Allar was seen on the NBC broadcast lifting his crutch in rhythm with the crowd.

Everyone from the blue and white faithful, whether they're in the locker room or not, feel the impact Smith has on Penn State in such a short amount of time. He gave the team a reason to want to win, play, and fight again regardless of College Football Playoff indications. Especially that overwhelming reaction from players, Smith's leadership is a difference-maker.