Penn State interim HC Terry Smith says he ‘could be portrayed as the substitute teacher’ as the team tries to regain its identity
Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith leans into his new role as he works to keep the Nittany Lions united ahead of their daunting road matchup against No. 1 Ohio State.
In one of the season’s most anticipated games, Penn State will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday. Interim head coach Terry Smith spoke with reporters on Monday to open the week of coverage, addressing the challenge of keeping his team together during a season that has spiraled out of control in recent weeks.
Penn State enters the matchup 3–4 after four straight losses since beginning Big Ten play. Smith stepped into the lead role following the firing of James Franklin after the team’s third loss of the year and dropped his debut in heartbreaking fashion, 25–24 at Iowa. The Nittany Lions now come out of their final bye week of the 2025 season facing the nation’s top-ranked team.
Penn State’s season has unraveled, and Terry Smith is trying to hold it together
“It’s challenging to keep us together,” Smith admitted when asked about maintaining focus amid all the turmoil surrounding the program. “It starts with my title. I’m the interim head coach… that could be portrayed as the substitute teacher. There’s just someone that’s different at the helm. Our routines are the same, but I’ve tweaked the schedule slightly… those guys in the locker room have bought into it.”
A former Penn State cornerback and longtime assistant, Smith has spent more than a decade helping shape the program’s culture. Now, he’s working to stabilize a team that’s struggled with confidence and cohesion since the midseason transition. “Each day we continue to get more camaraderie. Each day we get closer. Each day we continue to work harder,” Smith said. “Even a guy like Drew Allar has been around and very, very present. He actually stopped in to see me this morning and asked how he can help support.”
Smith’s task this week is monumental. Ohio State enters at 7–0 and boasts the nation’s No. 1 defense, allowing just 5.9 points per game and 216.9 yards per game. The Buckeyes’ speed and depth have smothered opponents, leaving few offensive openings. Smith knows the path to an upset starts with balance and discipline. “We have to do it together. We have to be as one,” he said. “We cannot make mistakes. We have to be efficient with the football. The most important thing we have to do is be able to run the football. We have to outrush Ohio State to have a chance.”
That means reestablishing a ground game that has sputtered in recent weeks. “We have to find a way to get Kaytron Allen going again,” Smith said. “We have to find a way to get Nick Singleton going… they’re our two best offensive weapons. We just have to continue to play mistake-free football and when we need to make a play, we have to be able to come up with some type of scheme to make a play.”
Smith might be in the toughest spot in college football — a program in transition facing the sport’s most complete team — but he’s facing the challenge with honesty and resolve. This is not the job he expected to have, but it’s one he intends to do with full conviction.
“We have to do it together,” Smith reiterated, his voice calm but firm. “We have to be as one.”
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