COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s national title defense will come with a new face running the defense. The Buckeyes are losing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. After three seasons in Columbus, he’s leaving to serve as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is reportedly leaving for Penn State. Knowles had reportedly been a top candidate for OU's opening.

Ohio State's Jim Knowles is finalizing a deal with Penn State to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football, sources told ESPN.