With most of Penn State's talent returning, tight end-turned-college football analyst Adam Breneman is ecstatic to see whether his alma can again contend for a national championship next fall, making a bold claim about what Knowles' hire truly means.

After he helped guide Ohio State to a national championship, Jim Knowles is finalizing a deal with Penn State to become the highest paid defensive coordinator in college football, ESPN reported Sunday.

Penn State is nearing an agreement with Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to take the same position on the Nittany Lions coaching staff,