Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles watches the team during an NCAA college spring football game in 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. / Associated Press file photo

Penn State is making a national splash with the reported hiring of Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

Knowles will reportedly become the highest paid assistant coach in college football with a three-year deal worth $3.1 annually.

Neither Penn State, Ohio State or Knowles confirmed the news by Sunday evening, but it was being widely reported by national media that cover college football.

ESPN college football writer Pete Thamel was the first to break the news.

Penn State’s job became open when Tom Allen left to become Clemson’s defensive coordinator after one season.

The Mirror will have more details in Monday’s print edition.