Can James Franklin Save Penn State Football’s Season … or Is This the Beginning of the End?
Penn State Football is in a spot no one saw coming.
The Nittany Lions sit at 3-2 with losses to Oregon, and, shockingly, UCLA. For a squad that many deemed as a National Championship contender, this is a disappointment.
With seven games left on the schedule, Penn State will need to win out to get a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. The biggest hurdles left on the schedule will be going to Ohio State, facing Indiana at home, and traveling to play Iowa.
With many fans essentially punting on the season, and some coaches and players looking like they’ve given up. I propose that there are two paths forward for this Penn State squad.
Path 1: Pack it in, and Hope for Better Luck Next Year
This path is the one where Penn State lets the season unravel before their eyes.
In this scenario, the Nittany Lions drop 3-4 more games.
It just seems like James Franklin, his staff, and the players are at a crossroads.
It could be so easy for Franklin to cave to the mounting criticism and throw in the towel on the season. There would be good reason for Franklin to look for other jobs. He could also just give in to the tough times and check out mentally.
There is a lot of opportunity for James Franklin to check completely out.
If that happens, the locker room is likely next to go.
This looks like seniors Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Dani Dennis-Sutton, and others on this senior-laden team to start playing for themselves.
Almost all of the aforementioned names have work to do in relation to their draft stock. If leaders like these guys start playing selfishly, the rest of the locker room likely becomes selfish and apathetic to winning football games.
If this team who came into the year with National Championship aspirations, is effectively eliminated eight games into the season, they might just give up.
This combination could lead to an even more disastrous outcome. If it starts happening now, no game is safe. Penn State could wind up 8-4 or 7-5. There is no telling how awfully this path could end.
If it gets that bad, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Pat Kraft make a move.
Path 2: Let the Doubt Light a Fire, and Ride the Flame to Redemption
Look, this path seems unreasonable given how the Nittany Lions have looked on the field. I understand that, but hear me out.
What if the pressure of the season is so far gone from Franklin and company that they just decide to let it all hang. They’re essentially playing with house money for the rest of the season.
After Penn State faces Northwestern and Iowa, they have a bye week and then travel to Ohio State.
The Ohio State game was one that many had circled in the preseason, however, it’s pretty safe to say that the game has lost a significant amount of luster.
I believe that if the Nittany Lions survive Iowa and Northwestern, the Ohio State essentially becomes a play in game. Does Ohio State have a talent advantage? Yes. Is Ohio State better? Yes. Does Penn State have a good chance to beat Ohio State? No, not really.
With all that being said, hungry dogs run faster.
Right now, understandably, the college football world, and Penn State fans alike have written Penn State off.
If James Franklin can find a way to channel that sentiment and use it as fuel, who knows what may happen in Columbus? Penn State has absolutely nothing to lose going into Columbus.
While the odds will be significantly in the Buckeyes’ favor, maybe the lack of expectation can fuel this Penn State team to come out swinging and give Ohio State a run for their money.
If Penn State can somehow pull off an unlikely upset in Columbus following wins over Iowa, and Northwestern, the schedule post-Ohio State looks a lot less daunting.
If Penn State beats Ohio State, the wave of momentum makes the Indiana and Nebraska matchups a lot more favorable for Penn State.
In this scenario, Penn State could ride a 10-2 season, with a solid resume into the playoffs.
Buy The Newest Penn State Gear From Fanatics | Shop Penn State Merchandise on Amazon
Which Path is More Likely to Happen for Penn State?
Truthfully, I think path one is the more likely scenario.
The way Penn State has played throughout this season, it just isn’t a good enough team to go into Columbus and steal a win.
In fact, even Northwestern and Iowa could present a challenge.
This Penn State offense struggled mightily against Oregon, and the defense was shoved around by UCLA. Throw in losing Tony Rojas, and it just seems like things are more likely to continue to spiral than get better.
However, it might not be as far-fetched as most think for Penn State to turn things around.
It would require a 2024 Ohio State-esque tear. If I’m James Franklin, my message to the team is that it is “Us against the world right now” and that every game for the rest of the year is a playoff game.
That has to be the message if there is any chance to salvage the season for Penn State.
James Franklin on The Hot Seat: 3 Candidates Penn State Should Consider, One They Should Run From
A note to our readers; If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a commission
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
- Can James Franklin Save Penn State Football’s Season … or Is This the Beginning of the End? - October 8, 2025
- Penn State Football Updated Game-by-Game Predictions: Can James Franklin Salvage the 2025 Season? - October 8, 2025
- 3 Things Penn State Football Must Do to ‘Get Right’ vs. UCLA - October 4, 2025