Penn State football to soon turn attention to recruiting

Penn State will finish up their season in the next few weeks, and then will turn to deal with the bigger picture: one of the most complicated recruiting jobs in NCAA history, as the team deals with the massive sanctions placed upon the program in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

The Nittany Lions won't appear in the Big Ten Championship game this year, and regardless of how they play next year, or the year after that, or the year after that, they won't either. That much is certain. However, players in the incoming class will eventually be eligible for postseason play as juniors if they redshirt, or seniors if they don't. That class includes Christian Hackenberg and Adam Breneman, considered the top pro-style quarterback and top tight end in the country by ESPN. As Bob Flounders of the Patriot-News points out, they'll only be allowed 15 player per class over the next few seasons.

Penn State will also have to worry about retaining their players: although many opted to transfer out of the program before this season, Penn State's roster will have the option to leave up until August of next year. However, Bill O'Brien isn't worried about that prospect:

"I will tell you this about that group of players; they have great camaraderie. I think they love playing for Penn State. I believe they understand the value of the education here at Penn State."

Penn State finishes the season with Indiana and a senior day against Wisconsin.