Cooper Cousins can become the second Nittany Lion to win the Wuerffel Trophy in two years.
Leonard had retired from football in March, leaving the Nittany Lions after three years.
The Nittany Lions and Panthers will meet for the 149th time in program history.
The Nittany Lions will raise their championship banner on September 5 against Kentucky.
Dowd is tied for the most assists by a defenseman in program history.
