Ohio State's Jim Knowles is finalizing a deal with Penn State to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football, sources told ESPN.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is reportedly leaving for Penn State. Knowles had reportedly been a top candidate for OU's opening.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s national title defense will come with a new face running the defense. The Buckeyes are losing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. After three seasons in Columbus, he’s leaving to serve as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.

The Philadelphia native and St. Joseph’s Prep alum will become Penn State’s next defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports on Sunday. Knowles has been with Ohio State since 2022, and reportedly will be the highest-paid coordinator in college football history. The deal, according to ESPN, is worth $3.1 million over three years.

With success comes pillaging and the Ohio State football program is working to fend off the vultures of college football after winning the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship. There have been reports of tampering with OSU’s wide receivers and NIL money,

Ryan Day is once again dealing with the consequences of success in college football after leading Ohio State to a national championship.

Penn State Nittany Lions coach James Franklin seeks to make a bold move by hiring Jim Knowles, the architect of the Ohio State Buckeyes' championship defense.

The former Ohio State and Oklahoma State defensive coordinator has reportedly accepted a job at Penn State, according to Griffin Media's Toby Rowland.