Could Brian Hartline Be the Next Great Penn State Coach? A 4-Year Projection if He Lands in Happy Valley
What would Penn State Football look like with Brian Hartline in charge?
As the Nittany Lions’ coaching search continues, the 38-year-old Ohio State offensive coordinator has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing — and polarizing — candidates.
Hartline’s offensive pedigree and recruiting success have made him one of college football’s rising stars, but could he really bring a national championship to Happy Valley?
Here’s a bold, year-by-year projection of how Penn State might look over Hartline’s first four seasons if Pat Kraft makes the call.
Predicting Penn State Football’s Future if Brian Hartline is Hired
Year One: Hartline’s Offense Shines, Defense Struggles
Looking forward to the 2026 season, Hartline would have a very easy road to home.
Obviously, his name carries a ton of weight to the young players, particularly on offense.
Guys like Koby Howard, Ethan Grunkemeyer, and a few others would likely stay in Happy Valley. I would also anticipate offensive talent from the portal and recruiting trail to have piqued interest. Guys like Jahsiear Rogers might consider flipping back to the Nittany Lions.
Despite all of the offense glitz, and glamor, the defense could become an issue for Hartline.
Can he retain Tony Rojas? Chaz Coleman? Amare Campbell? Hartline would struggle in year one on the defensive side of the ball in year one.
As the year plays out, Penn State would finally have a dynamic offense. The Nittany Lions could be high-flying and fun to watch. But the defense takes a step back.
Hartline goes 8-4 in year one despite having a fun, potentially explosive offense.
Year Two and Three: Penn State’s Breakthrough Everyone Saw Coming
As the 2027 and 2028 seasons play out, Hartline begins to find his footing as a head coach.
After all, he is only 38 right now. I project that Hartline has another solid year in 2027, going 9-3.
The offense keeps up, but the defense still needs some work. The fans begin to grow a little bit restless, but Hartline is still the coach.
Year 3 is a big one for Hartline.
He has pretty much all of his guys in the building, and the defense finally steps up. I see year 3 playing out very interestingly. Hartline beats his alma mater and former stop, Ohio State, and has Penn State fans ready to give him a lifetime contract.
The Nittany Lions are rolling, looking like a national championship contender until they lose a head-scratcher. Despite this, Penn State makes the College Football Playoff, and wins one game before being eliminated.
Both of these years would prove to be ones of change for Nittany Lion fans.
Hartline would begin to modernize Penn State Football, bringing back pink alternative uniforms. Additionally, his young and hip personality helps Penn State get in the door with bigger brands and donors. The money starts flowing and recruiting takes off too.
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Year Four: The Season Penn State Finally Brings It Home
Coming off a second-round playoff exit, it’s 2029.
Penn State’s class of 2027 players are juniors and poised to make a huge impact. The Nittany Lions are preseason top 10. They are stacked with elite talent behind a massive 2027 recruiting class haul, and great portal and recruiting since then.
The year goes well, but Penn State finishes the regular season 11-1.
Going into the postseason led by Brian Hartline’s high-powered offense, Penn State brings a Big Ten title back to Happy Valley. This clinches a very high seed. (Assuming conference championships are still a thing and seeding is still similar).
The Nittany Lions make a legendary run through the College Football Playoff, and finally bring a national championship back home to State College. Brian Hartline becomes a living Penn State legend.
Looking into the future, it would seem that the biggest issue with Hartline will be the staff that he puts in place around him.
If Hartline is able to get elite coaches and coordinators, he could be uber successful. If he can’t get those staff members in place, his tenure could get pretty ugly.
MORE: Top-8 Names to Watch, Where Things Stand for Penn State’s Coaching Search
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Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
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