James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State has taken a dramatic downturn in the 2025 season, culminating in his dismissal after only six games. The latest defeat, a narrow 22-21 loss at home against Northwestern, has effectively dashed any hopes for a College Football Playoff bid.
Historic Failures and Unprecedented Performance
Franklin is now recognized for a series of unprecedented back-to-back losses. Specifically, he became the first coach in the history of football to lose consecutive games while favored by 20 points or more. This astonishing achievement places Penn State alongside 1996 Nebraska and 1997 Texas Tech, who accomplished this feat in the same season, although not consecutively.
- First coach to lose consecutive games as a 20-point favorite
- Only two other teams have lost similarly in the same season
Impact of the 2025 Season
The 2025 season was anticipated to be a critical assessment of Franklin’s coaching abilities, following a productive 2024 campaign that saw Penn State reach the College Football Playoff semifinals. However, the current season has become an undeniable disaster for Franklin, leading to his effective departure from the role.
Player Performance and Injuries
Amidst these difficulties, the quarterback position has suffered significantly. Drew Allar, projected to lead the team, is out for the season due to a leg injury. This setback compounds the team’s struggles as they face crucial upcoming games against Iowa, Ohio State, and a home match against Indiana.
- Next matches:
- At Iowa
- At Ohio State
- Home against Indiana
Penn State’s aspirations have wilted from national title considerations to scrambling for a spot in the less prestigious Motor City Bowl.
Franklin’s Future and Program Building
Despite his accomplishments, including building a consistently winning program at Penn State, the current state of the team raises questions about his future. The recent three-game losing streak marks the first since 2021 and comes after considerable investment into the program, including funding for top-tier facilities and coaching salaries.
Franklin’s annual salary of $8.5 million pales in comparison to the pay scale of other coaches in college football, further questioning whether he can continue to lead effectively.
Looking Ahead
Franklin’s current predicament emphasizes the need for a fresh start for both him and Penn State. As fans reflect on his era, they hope for a turnaround similar to that achieved by other programs. Time will tell if a new coach can elevate the team to the heights they have long aspired to reach.
