James Franklin has been at the helm of Penn State’s football program for nearly 11 years, but his tenure has not been marked by significant championship success. Aside from winning the Big Ten Coach of the Year award in 2016—a recognition that has largely faded from memory—his list of accomplishments remains relatively sparse. While he has played a role in developing elite players such as Saquon Barkley, Abdul Carter, and Olu Fashanu, Penn State has yet to secure a major trophy under his leadership.
The 2024 season was a mix of highs and lows for Penn State. The team made it to the Big Ten Championship game but fell to Oregon, and later, they were unable to overcome Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal. The pattern of falling short in crucial moments continued, raising questions about the program’s ability to perform under pressure. As they enter the 2025 season, Penn State faces additional challenges with the departures of key players like Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren, who were instrumental in the previous season’s campaign. The question now is how Franklin will adapt to these losses.
On the ‘Big Ten Huddle’ podcast, analyst Jeff McMichael provided insight into Franklin’s legacy and his uncertain future. He pointed out that before winning a national championship, Ohio State’s Ryan Day had also been a subject of skepticism. Critics questioned Day’s ability to win big games, particularly against Michigan. However, Day silenced his doubters in 2024 by winning four consecutive high-stakes games and securing a national title. According to McMichael, Franklin has now become the coach under the most scrutiny, often appearing on lists of the most overrated coaches in college football.
Ryan Day’s previous struggles were well documented. In the 2022 season, his team lost a tightly contested game against Georgia in the national championship, and in 2020, they were beaten by Alabama in the final. These losses cast doubt on his ability to succeed on the biggest stage. However, in 2024, he reversed the narrative, proving his critics wrong by leading his team to a title. Franklin now finds himself in a similar position—if he cannot break through and win a championship, his time at Penn State may be nearing its end.
As Penn State prepares for the 2025 season, they have reason for optimism. Their recruiting class is ranked 10th nationally and second in the Big Ten, featuring standout prospects such as Brandon Smith, the fourth-ranked linebacker in the country, and Caedam Wallace, a highly-rated offensive tackle. Most importantly, they have a quarterback in Drew Allar who has shown promise and has the potential to elevate the team to championship contention.
Allar’s 2024 season was a topic of debate among fans and analysts. While some questioned his performance, others noted his significant improvement. He threw for over 1,000 more yards than in 2023, finishing the season with 3,427 passing yards, 302 rushing yards, and 24 touchdowns. His stats placed him as the 16th-ranked quarterback in college football according to ESPN. Despite criticisms, there is an argument to be made that his performance was better than perceived.
Thomas Frank Carr, an analyst from ‘Penn State Football Illustrated,’ defended Allar, suggesting that many of his struggles were overblown by the team’s fanbase. He acknowledged that while Allar had areas to improve, particularly in his accuracy and decision-making, he was still a solid quarterback. Carr emphasized that entering his senior season, Allar should be expected to correct those issues and take his game to the next level.
Ultimately, Penn State’s success in 2025 will depend on whether Franklin and Allar can take the next step. Franklin has faced mounting pressure to deliver a championship, and if he fails to do so, his future at Penn State may be in jeopardy. With a strong recruiting class and a quarterback showing steady improvement, the team has the tools to compete at a high level. However, whether they can translate that potential into championship success remains to be seen.