Former Ohio State defensive coordinator said in an address to Penn State players that the Nittany Lions were 'everything' to him growing up

Ohio State football coach Ryan Day had praise for defensive coordinator Jim Knowles on Sunday. While speaking at the Buckeyes' championship celebration inside Ohio Stadium, Day gave Knowles a shoutout and mentioned the defense’s dominance throughout the College Football Playoff.

Penn State has lured Jim Knowles away from Ohio State. The Nittany Lions hired Knowles on Monday to serve as their defensive coordinator. Knowles held the same position with the national champion Buckeyes for three years.