For nearly half a century, Joe Paterno stood as one of the defining figures in college football history. His influence extended far beyond wins and losses, shaping generations of student-athletes and establishing a standard of excellence that still defines Penn State football today. Now, nearly four decades after Paterno guided the Penn State Nittany Lions to their unforgettable 1986 national championship, current associate head coach Terry Smith is speaking publicly about what that legacy means—and how today’s program is building upon it.

Speaking to reporters following an offseason workout session in State College, Smith reflected on Paterno’s towering presence in college football and the responsibility that comes with wearing Penn State colors.

“Joe Paterno is not just a coach in Penn State history,” Smith said. “He is an icon of college football. What he built here wasn’t accidental. It was intentional, principled, and deeply rooted in values. Everything we do today is influenced by that foundation.”

A Season That Defined a Legacy

The 1986 season remains one of the most celebrated chapters in Penn State history. Under Paterno’s leadership, the Nittany Lions completed an undefeated campaign, culminating in a dramatic 14–10 victory over the University of Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. The win secured the national championship and cemented Paterno’s reputation as one of the sport’s greatest strategic minds.

But for Smith, the importance of that season goes far beyond a trophy.

“That team represented what Penn State football is supposed to be,” Smith explained. “Toughness. Discipline. Belief in one another. Coach Paterno didn’t just prepare them to win games—he prepared them to handle pressure, adversity, and expectations.”

Smith often references the 1986 team when talking to players, not as a distant memory, but as a living example of what is possible when preparation meets purpose.

Leadership Beyond the Playbook

Paterno was widely known for his emphasis on academics, character, and personal accountability. His famous mantra—success with honor—became synonymous with Penn State football. According to Smith, that philosophy still shapes daily operations within the program.

“Coach Paterno cared about who you were when football was over,” Smith said. “He challenged players to be students, leaders, and men of integrity. That message hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s more important now than ever.”

Smith believes that in today’s rapidly changing college football landscape—marked by NIL deals, transfers, and constant media attention—Paterno’s values offer a stabilizing compass.

“The game has changed,” Smith admitted. “But principles don’t change. The way Coach Paterno treated people, the way he demanded accountability, the way he built trust—that still works.”

Carrying the Torch Forward

As one of the longest-tenured assistants in the program, Terry Smith sees himself as a bridge between eras. He worked closely with players who grew up idolizing Paterno and now coaches athletes who know his name mostly through history lessons and highlights.

“My responsibility,” Smith said, “is to translate that legacy into something real for today’s players. Not to live in the past, but to respect it—and then build forward.”

Smith emphasized that the current coaching staff is committed to constructing a Penn State team that reflects both modern innovation and traditional toughness.

“We want to build a team that is fast, physical, and mentally strong,” he said. “But also a team that represents Penn State the right way. That’s the inheritance we’ve been given.”

Building a Strong Future for Penn State

Looking ahead, Smith expressed confidence in the program’s trajectory. With elite recruiting, upgraded facilities, and a renewed national vision, he believes Penn State is positioned to compete at the highest level of college football once again.

“Our goal is simple,” Smith said. “We want to build a strong, sustainable Penn State football program—one that competes for championships and earns respect every Saturday.”

He stressed that success will not come from shortcuts, but from consistency and culture.

“Coach Paterno used to say that the will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital,” Smith recalled. “That’s something we live by. Championships are built in practice, in meetings, and in how players carry themselves every day.”

Legacy as Motivation, Not Pressure

While Paterno’s shadow looms large over any conversation about Penn State football, Smith insists that the legacy is a source of inspiration rather than pressure.

“This legacy doesn’t weigh us down—it lifts us up,” he said. “It reminds us what’s possible here.”

Smith believes that today’s players, many of whom did not grow up watching Paterno coach, still feel the power of his influence once they step onto campus.

“When you walk through Beaver Stadium, when you see the names on the walls, you understand that you’re part of something bigger than yourself,” Smith said. “That sense of responsibility pushes players to rise.”

A Promise to the Past—and the Future

As Penn State continues its pursuit of national relevance, Terry Smith is clear about his mission: honor the past while building something even stronger for the future.

“Joe Paterno built a standard,” Smith concluded. “Our job now is to live up to it—not by copying what he did, but by applying his values to today’s game. If we do that, Penn State football will always be strong.”

Nearly forty years after that unforgettable night in the Fiesta Bowl, Paterno’s legacy remains alive—not as a memory frozen in time, but as a guiding force shaping the next generation of Nittany Lions. And under coaches like Terry Smith, Penn State’s future is being built with the same belief that once carried them to the top of college football.