University Park, Pennsylvania — As the NCAA and Big Ten Conference step up enforcement of compliance requirements, suspicion grows that the Penn State Nittany Lions football team may be the next high-profile program under scrutiny. Following sanctions or public scrutiny of Notre Dame, Ohio State, and the Michigan Wolverines, Penn State finds itself at the center of a rising national controversy about NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) tactics, transfer portal tampering, and recruiting ethics.
Though no formal investigation has been launched against Penn State, the fast changing landscape of college football has prompted colleges and athletic departments to tread a fine line between competition and compliance. As enforcement becomes more harsh and merciless, even historically reliable programs are under scrutiny.
Why is there so much concern over Penn State? The Nittany Lions have emerged as one of the most aggressive recruiters throughout the NIL period. Penn State has been a popular destination for five-star recruits and top-tier transfers, thanks to its exceptional facilities, a devoted fan base, and growing financial backing from benefactors and NIL collectives. While all of this action is permissible under current NCAA rules (assuming proper disclosures and third-party frameworks), the line between enthusiasm and violation is becoming increasingly blurred.
The Big Ten, for its part, has begun to accept greater responsibility for self-regulation. Commissioner Tony Petitti has stated unequivocally that “accountability must apply evenly,” citing concerns from numerous member institutions. Michigan’s current sign-stealing controversy, combined with Ohio State’s previous difficulties with inappropriate privileges, demonstrate that even the top are not immune.
This call for transparency comes as suspicions circulate nationwide about unethical inducements, pay-for-play scams disguised as NIL deals, and questionable interference with athletes still on scholarship at other universities. Penn State, with its national recruiting reach and rising league power, naturally joins the discourse.
Head coach James Franklin has actively called for clearer standards and enforcement, frequently mentioning the chaotic condition of the NIL scene. Critics contend that some of Penn State’s recent recruiting success, including last-minute flips from rival Big Ten universities, should be scrutinized—especially as boosters become more involved and collectives wield more power.
Penn State’s issue is made more complicated by its institutional memory. The program’s tragic past with NCAA violations in the early 2010s is forever carved in college football history. While the present administration has restored Penn State’s reputation on honesty and organization, the NCAA’s increased sensitivity to any program with a contentious history may prompt proactive investigation, even in the absence of clear violation.
Finally, the pressure is not just on Penn State, but on all large programs navigating the 2025 college football landscape. With multi-million dollar NIL collectives, big media rights deals, and increasingly daring recruiting strategies, compliance departments are working overtime, and the NCAA is keeping a close eye on things.