It's time to make a change, folks. The writing is on the wall for James Franklin's tenure at Penn State. After a disappointing 3-3 record, with no Big Ten wins and a playoff dream shattered, it's clear that something has gone awry.
This was supposed to be the year that the Nittany Lions soared to new heights, but instead, they've hit rock bottom. From championship contenders to fighting for a bowl game, it's a stark reality check.
Franklin's track record of winning big games has always been a concern, but his recent streak of 34 wins against unranked teams seemed to silence critics. However, with a talented roster and a winning culture supposedly in place, the results just aren't adding up.
The 2022 class was hyped as the game-changer, with a historic ranking and an abundance of five-star talent. Yet, here we are, with these players facing the prospect of a bowl game in their senior year, not a national championship.
So, what went wrong? Well, it seems that the much-touted 'best culture in the country' might not be as effective as we thought. Players like Dani Dennis-Sutton speak of pride and proving themselves, which is a far cry from a united, cohesive team.
2025 was supposed to be the year that everything came together, with a talented roster and ample time to perfect their schemes. But instead, there's a growing disconnect between the head coach and the players. The air of confusion after the Northwestern game is a telling sign.
Franklin's decision to announce quarterback Drew Allar's season-ending injury, without all the facts and proper scans, is highly unusual. Even more so is the fact that he hadn't informed the team, as confirmed by Dennis-Sutton. Everything about that week felt off, from Franklin's social media activity to limited media access.
The pressure is clearly getting to Franklin, and his recent comments reflect that. When asked about his future as head coach, he dodged the question, focusing on the players' hurt and the fans' frustration. It's a classic case of passing the buck, and it's not sitting well with the Penn State community.
For a team with such talented players, losing to Northwestern isn't about a lack of skill. It's about the mindset and the belief. In college sports, you have to feel the need to win, not just want it. And when players don't believe in their coach, it shows.
Devonte Ross's post-loss comments about his faith in Franklin are commendable, but they also raise questions. How can you fully support a coach who's lost consecutive games as a heavy favorite? It's a tough pill to swallow.
The recruitment aspect is also a cause for concern. The 2027 class has the potential to be exceptional, but the Nittany Lions are already losing recruits. Four-star receiver Kahlil Talor's decommitment is a red flag, and it's likely not an isolated incident. Why would top talent want to join a team that consistently falls short?
Franklin's personal qualities and recruiting skills are not in question. He's a good man and a talented recruiter. But Happy Valley isn't the place for him anymore. In an era where fan support and NIL deals are crucial, Penn State needs a coach who can inspire and unite.
It's time for a fresh start. Penn State has the resources to make it happen. With a $750 million stadium upgrade, they can surely find the funds to bring the fan base back on board. It's time to move on and find a coach who can ignite the passion and drive the Nittany Lions need to succeed.
