The once-promising era of James Franklin at Penn State is crumbling, and it’s time to face the hard truth: this partnership has run its course. What was supposed to be a triumphant season for the Nittany Lions has instead become a stunning downfall, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning everything. From national championship contenders to barely clinging to bowl eligibility, Penn State’s 3-3 record—with no Big Ten wins—is a far cry from the glory days. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is James Franklin, the coach who once resurrected the program, now the very reason for its stagnation?
Franklin’s tenure has always been a study in contrasts. On one hand, he’s a master recruiter, a culture-builder, and the man who lifted Penn State from its darkest days. His 34 consecutive wins against unranked opponents were a testament to consistency. Yet, his inability to secure victories in high-stakes games has always cast a shadow. Now, that shadow looms larger than ever. The 2022 recruiting class, hailed as one of the program’s best, was supposed to deliver a national championship. Instead, they’re fighting for relevance in their senior year. And this is the part most people miss: the disconnect between Franklin and his players seems deeper than ever.
Take the recent Northwestern game, for instance. Franklin’s unusual announcement of quarterback Drew Allar’s season-ending injury, before even confirming the details, raised eyebrows. Players like Dani Dennis-Sutton admitted Franklin hadn’t even informed the team yet—a glaring departure from the norm. The culture Franklin once championed now feels hollow. As Dennis-Sutton put it, players are ‘mostly’ playing for themselves. Ouch.
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: Is Franklin’s time at Penn State truly over, or are we jumping the gun? Some players, like Devonte Ross, still publicly back their coach, praising his leadership. Yet, how can a team rally behind a coach who’s the first in 30 years to lose consecutive games as a 20-point favorite? The trust between Franklin and the Penn State community appears fractured, and the impact is already spilling over into recruiting. Four-star receiver Kahlil Taylor’s decommitment is a red flag—a sign that top talent is losing faith in the program’s future.
Here’s the kicker: In the era of NIL deals and mega-donations, a passionate fan base is more crucial than ever. Penn State’s $750 million stadium investment is impressive, but what good is it if the fans are disengaged? Franklin’s inability to reignite that spark is costing the program dearly. While he’s undeniably a good recruiter and a decent coach, Happy Valley no longer feels like his home.
So, what’s next? Should Penn State part ways with Franklin, or is there still a chance to salvage this relationship? And if they do move on, who could step in to restore the program’s glory? These are the questions that will dominate the conversation in the coming weeks. One thing is certain: change is inevitable. The only question is how—and when—it will happen.
What do you think? Is it time for Penn State to turn the page on the Franklin era, or does he deserve another chance? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
