James Franklin’s exit from Penn State has raised questions following a tumultuous season. The Nittany Lions began the 2025 season with high expectations but faced disappointing outcomes, leading to Franklin’s termination after six games.
Declining Season Expectations and Public Outrage
Initially ranked second in the AP Top 25, Penn State featured promising prospects, including quarterback Drew Allar, a Heisman Trophy candidate. However, the Nittany Lions struggled under mounting pressure, evident in chants of “Fire Franklin” during games, including a notable 22-21 loss to Northwestern.
Series of Disappointing Losses
- Lost to Oregon in double overtime.
- Defeated by winless UCLA.
- Suffered upset against unranked Northwestern.
These setbacks marked Penn State as the first team since 1978 to lose consecutive games as 20-point favorites. Franklin acknowledged the failures, stating, “It’s 100 percent on me.” However, the program’s challenges went beyond just those immediate games.
Financial and Cultural Investment in Football
Despite Franklin’s $49 million buyout—second only to Jimbo Fisher’s payout—athletic director Pat Kraft emphasized the program’s trajectory. He noted the strong player retention, with ten key players choosing to return instead of entering the NFL draft. This decision signaled that culture was not necessarily at fault.
Investment in Facilities and Recruitment
Penn State is currently engaged in a $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium, set for completion by 2027. The university matched financial commitments made by top rivals like Ohio State and Alabama, aiming to elevate the program to national championship competitiveness.
Coaching Challenges and Strategic Failures
In-game decision-making became a pivotal factor in the Nittany Lions’ downfall. Critics noted that Franklin’s conservative strategies during critical moments cost the team valuable opportunities. For instance, he opted to punt instead of going for a first down late in a key game against Oregon.
Quarterback Performance Under Scrutiny
Drew Allar’s performance drastically declined compared to last year’s successes. After averaging 8.44 yards per attempt last season, this year his performance dropped significantly, impacting team morale. A season-ending injury further complicated the situation, with Allar concluding a disappointing season.
The Future of Penn State Football
While Franklin’s coaching tenure ended on a somber note, Kraft remains hopeful about the program’s future. He aims to find a new leader capable of driving Penn State towards national success.
Potential Candidates for Head Coach
- Matt Rhule (Nebraska)
- Mike Elko (Texas A&M)
- Curt Cignetti (Indiana)
- Matt Campbell (Iowa State)
- Brent Key (Georgia Tech)
The expectation is that the next coach will rekindle the confidence of the fan base and restore the glory of Penn State football. Franklin’s next chapter remains uncertain, but at 53, his coaching career is far from over.
