James Franklin and Penn State Football: Closing in On Elite After Six Years
The words from Penn State Football head coach James Franklin following a heartbreaking 27-26 loss to Ohio State in 2018 still resonate today.
“The reality is we’ve gone from an average football team to a good football team, to a great football team, and we’ve worked really hard to do those things. But we are not an elite football team yet.”
– James Franklin, September 29, 2018
That defeat, the second consecutive one-point loss to the Buckeyes, was a bitter reminder of the mountain Franklin has been climbing since taking over in Happy Valley.
No program has come closer to toppling Ohio State without succeeding, and no coach has been more haunted by the inability to slay that particular giant.
But this Saturday night, James Franklin has the chance to conquer a different beast entirely.
When the Nittany Lions take the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, they will face the undefeated, No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten Championship Game. Up until last weekend, this moment wasn’t even on the radar.
Ohio State’s unexpected loss to Michigan cracked the door open, and Penn State has marched through. For Franklin, the stakes couldn’t be higher—a win could redefine his career and silence critics who have long dismissed his ability to deliver on college football’s biggest stages.
What’s at Stake for James Franklin and Penn State?
One of college football’s most persistent narratives is that James Franklin “can’t win the big one.” Critics point to his record against elite competition—particularly Ohio State and Michigan—as evidence. And while Franklin has brought Penn State Football back to national prominence, there’s no denying he’s been missing that signature, defining victory.
A win over Oregon, the top team in the nation, would shatter that narrative.
It would elevate Franklin into the conversation of the game’s premier coaches and further cement Penn State’s place among the sport’s elite programs.
Franklin already ranks third among active coaches in wins over the past decade, a testament to his consistency. He’s achieved this while navigating challenges that many of his peers haven’t faced, including frequent staff turnover—three offensive coordinators and three defensive coordinators during his tenure—and comparatively mid-level NIL resources.
Even so, Penn State has maintained an average Top-10 finish despite its recruiting classes ranking 15th on average.
Elite Talent and a Rebuilt Legacy
Franklin’s contributions to Penn State extend far beyond wins and losses.
He inherited a program crippled by the fallout of the Sandusky scandal and rebuilt it into a clean, consistent powerhouse while programs like Michigan State and Maryland have struggled with instability. Penn State is now a perennial contender, posting four consecutive double-digit win seasons under Franklin’s leadership.
What makes this year different is the opportunity that lies ahead. Beating Oregon would not only vault Penn State to the No. 1 ranking but would also bolster recruiting efforts, allowing Franklin to compete for even more elite talent.
A Moment Years in the Making
Franklin’s journey from “average to good to great” has been a long one, filled with setbacks and frustrations, but also resilience and progress. Saturday night’s game represents the culmination of that work.
In 2018, following that crushing White Out loss to Ohio State, Franklin acknowledged the challenge of reaching the next level:
“As hard as we’ve worked to go from average to good to great, the work it’s going to take to get to an elite program is going to be just as hard as the ground and the distance that we’ve already traveled.”
Now, the Nittany Lions have a chance to close that distance once and for all.
To become elite, you must beat the elite.
Saturday night in Indianapolis, James Franklin and Penn State will have their chance.
MORE: Penn State’s Must-Win Key Matchups Against Oregon
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He has been recognized for his work as a photographer and has also contributed to various publications including PennLive and The Weather Channel.
Brad is an Air Force veteran, coach and competitive runner that grew up a Nittany Lions fan as his family is originally from the State College area.
His diverse skillset and experiences provide for interesting perspectives on the college football, and sports topics of the day.
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