Despite a less-than-ideal 0-3 start, Penn State football stars Pat Freiermuth and Jayson Oweh aren’t going anywhere.

During calls with the media this week, the two swiftly dismissed rumors of mid-season departures and said they remain committed to the team no matter what.

“Football is fun man,” Oweh said. “That’s why we play it.”

Amid an avalanche of criticism, Oweh reiterated that football is just a game. He also made sure everyone knew that it was a team game and that leaving his teammates during the middle of the season never crossed his mind.

“That was never in the plans,” Oweh said. “I’m not above anybody else on this team, and that’s that.”

Oweh’s selfless attitude has made him a solid teammate thus far, and his play on the field has shown that, too. The redshirt sophomore has been a top contributor on the defensive side of the ball for Penn State. And although he’s still searching for his first sack of the season, Oweh has pitched in 18 total tackles through three games so far this year.

In his press conference Tuesday, James Franklin said he thought it was sad folks even entertained the idea that his guys would opt out in the middle of the season, especially someone like Freiermuth.

“Pat has been phenomenal since he’s stepped on campus.” Franklin remarked, “When Pat decided to come back, Pat was in. This is how he’s wired.”

That internal motivation that Franklin spoke about is exactly what Freiermuth desires to show every day, on and off the field.

“That’s not my personality, to walk away.” Freiermuth said, “The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind to opt out after our slow start.”

Freiermuth has been a big part of the Nittany Lions’ success over his first two seasons. Now nearly halfway into his third campaign with Penn State, he has already set the program record for tight end receiving touchdowns. He is also a team captain this season, which lends further support to his teammates when he says that he won’t be leaving them during the season.

Overcoming adversity has been a regular obstacle for the Nittany Lions this season. Franklin announced on Wednesday that the team officially lost Journey Brown due to a heart condition, while Noah Cain was forced out with an undisclosed injury, too. Micah Parsons‘ departure didn’t help, either.

Franklin also discussed his family struggles, as he will be apart from them for the entire duration of the season.

All of these things combine for a rather dismal outlook, but Penn State’s players will do all they can to remain unified.

Freiermuth and the Penn State offensive attack will aim to rebound this week after not having much success at all in the first three games of the year. Oweh and the rest of the defense need to improve their play as well, as opponents have averaged more than 36 points per game this season.

The Nittany Lions travel to Nebraska on Saturday to take on the Cornhuskers at noon. That game will be broadcast on FS1.