James Franklin is Going Where No Penn State Football Coach Has Gone Before
Penn State Football is about to take the field in a quarterfinal playoff game. It’s uncharted territory.
But much of James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State has been uncharted.
From rebuilding after sanctions to dealing with COVID-19, navigating NIL, and competing for the College Football Playoff, Franklin has led the program through one of the most transformative eras in college football history.
The game has changed significantly since the days of Joe Paterno, and Franklin has navigated it all with remarkable success.
Now, Franklin has an opportunity to deliver the best season in Penn State history in terms of total wins.
Can Franklin defeat the No. 3 seed Boise State Broncos and continue dismantling the narrative that he can’t win the “big game”? Will it matter in the grand scheme of things?
Despite operating outside the top 15 in NIL spending and consistently finishing with an average recruiting class ranking of 15th, Franklin has overachieved.
What’s At Stake for James Franklin, Penn State vs. Boise State
During his tenure, Penn State Football has averaged 9.5 wins per season, boasts an average national ranking of ninth, and Franklin currently has the third-most double-digit-win seasons among active coaches.
Still, for some fans and critics, none of that matters without a “big game” victory.
There’s no denying the immense responsibility Franklin carries in running an elite program like Penn State.
Beyond the wins and losses, he’s overseen the program’s highest financial success, played a pivotal role in NIL adaptation, and guided Penn State to its first-ever playoff appearance, hosting a record sold-out crowd in 20-degree weather. That’s elite success by any standard.
The elusive “big game” victory remains the final box for Franklin to check off his résumé. It’s the icing on an already impressive cake. And if history is any indication, Franklin is poised to cement his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in program history. His tenure stands as a lesson in sustaining success amid adversity and change.
This New Year’s Eve, Franklin has the chance to end the year by going where no Penn State coach has gone before—beating the “big game” narrative, defeating a legitimate top-10 opponent, and securing a trip to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
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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.
- James Franklin is Going Where No Penn State Football Coach Has Gone Before - December 30, 2024
- Penn State Football Keys to Success vs. Boise State in the College Football Playoff - December 30, 2024
- Penn State has Past Connection with Transfer Portal WR, Great Fit for Nittany Lions in 2025 - December 17, 2024