Could 2025 Be James Franklin’s Last Stand at Penn State?

James Franklin and Penn State: Legacy Explained

A Decade of Consistency

James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State has brought undeniable consistency and relevance back to the program.¹

Since taking over in 2014, Franklin has led the Nittany Lions to 10 winning seasons out of 11, including multiple New Year’s Six bowl appearances and a Big Ten Championship in 2016.

Under his guidance, the program has routinely recruited among the nation’s elite and has fielded teams capable of competing with college football’s biggest names.

This era has seen Penn State transition from post-sanction rebuilding to a perennial top-10 program. Franklin deserves credit for establishing a winning culture, improving facilities, expanding recruiting pipelines, and restoring the program’s national brand.

But for all of Franklin’s accomplishments, there remains one glaring omission—he hasn’t reached a national title game, let alone won one.

#WeAre so proud of this guy and not surprised, class act https://t.co/bDgCml9jQe

— James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) June 17, 2025

The 2024 Season: A Step Forward or Another Missed Opportunity?

The 2024 season was one of Penn State’s most promising under Franklin. They reached the College Football Playoff semifinals for the first time in school history, a significant milestone that silenced some doubters.

However, a narrow 27-24 loss to Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame in the semifinals left a bitter taste, reigniting old criticisms that Franklin comes up short when it matters most.

The loss wasn’t a blowout. In fact, it was a fiercely competitive game, decided by fine margins. But college football doesn’t reward “almost.”

In the end, Franklin’s inability to get his team over the hump meant another year without a championship appearance—a benchmark that many feel should be within reach given the resources at his disposal.

James Franklin: High Expectations and the Harsh Spotlight of the Big Ten

The Big Ten has become college football’s most scrutinized conference, especially with the recent addition of Oregon, USC, UCLA, and Washington.²

With this expanded pool of elite programs, competition is fiercer than ever. For Franklin, this means that any slip—especially against marquee opponents—can be viewed as a failure.

Penn State fans are increasingly vocal about their championship ambitions. The administration has invested heavily in the program—from a top-tier recruiting budget to significant upgrades in athletic infrastructure.

This raises the stakes. Anything short of a CFP appearance now feels like a letdown, and even that bar may soon feel too low.

Franklin’s critics point to a pattern: the Nittany Lions often fall short in their biggest games. Despite talented rosters and high expectations, Franklin’s teams have struggled to consistently beat the likes of Michigan and Ohio State.

The 2024 loss to Notre Dame only reinforced the narrative that Penn State, under Franklin, might be destined to remain a second-tier elite program—good enough to contend, but not to conquer.

What Would a National Title Mean?

If Franklin were to break through and win a national title, the trajectory of his career—and his legacy—would shift dramatically.

He would go from being a respected but polarizing figure to a certified elite coach, finally silencing the doubters who question his ability to win “the big one.”

A championship would validate years of near-misses and would position Penn State as not just a Big Ten power, but a national one.

It would also likely transform recruiting, as top-tier high school athletes often flock to programs that have proven they can win at the highest level.

Such success would also raise Franklin’s value in coaching circles, both at the college level and, possibly, in the NFL.

He’s long been seen as a coach with the polish and charisma to succeed in multiple environments. But until he wins it all, those doors may remain closed or only slightly ajar.

James Franklin: The Danger of Plateauing

A bigger concern may not be whether Franklin ever wins a national title, but whether the program has already plateaued under his leadership.³

If 10-2 becomes the annual ceiling, how long will that be tolerated before change becomes necessary?

This scenario becomes more plausible if rivals like Michigan, Ohio State, and now Oregon continue to make deeper postseason runs.

In such a landscape, Penn State risks falling behind despite maintaining a strong overall record. The perception of stagnation can be as damaging as actual regression.

Franklin’s status as a “safe bet” for 9 to 11 wins a season may not be enough to satisfy a fanbase hungry for championship glory. While he may not be on the hot seat now, the temperature could rise quickly if Penn State endures another promising but ultimately unfulfilling campaign.

The 2025 Outlook: Pressure Cooker

The upcoming 2025 season will be perhaps the most critical of Franklin’s career. With Oregon and Ohio State looming as major hurdles, Penn State’s path to the College Football Playoff will again be fraught with challenges.

But this time, the expectations are even higher.

Merely making the playoffs is no longer enough. Fans want—and expect—a run to the national championship game.

Quarterback development, defensive depth, and coaching consistency will all come under intense scrutiny. Franklin has the tools: a talented roster, experienced coordinators, and institutional support. But he must now translate those tools into results on the field that go beyond respectable bowl appearances.

A 10-2 record, while impressive in most programs, will not move the needle anymore. Another semifinal exit could be viewed as a sign that Franklin has taken the program as far as he can.

A Fork in the Road

James Franklin stands at a crossroads. He’s elevated Penn State from post-scandal obscurity to consistent national relevance.

He’s made the Nittany Lions a household name again. But the next step—winning a national championship—still eludes him.

As Craig Shemon noted, Franklin could go 10-2 again and retain his job. But how long can that continue before restlessness turns into dissatisfaction? At a program with Penn State’s history and resources, excellence is not just appreciated—it’s demanded.

The 2025 season will test Franklin’s ability to evolve, to elevate, and most importantly, to finish. Because in the end, legacies aren’t built on potential—they’re built on championships.

Can James Franklin and Penn State Deliver a National Championship in 2025-26?

According to Fox Sports, the Penn State Nittany Lions enter the 2025-26 college football season with +750 odds to win the national championship.

That puts them behind only three powerhouses—Ohio State (+500), Texas (+550), and Georgia (+700). It’s a significant vote of confidence in James Franklin’s program, which has been knocking on the door of greatness for several years now.

The high odds reflect a blend of factors: the returning core of elite players, the strength of the coaching staff, and the team’s overall momentum coming into the season. Penn State isn’t just a dark horse—they’re a legitimate title contender.

James Franklin has been the head coach at Penn State since 2014, making him one of the more experienced and stable leaders in the FBS landscape.

His tenure has been defined by consistent 10-win seasons, elite recruiting classes, and top-tier development of NFL-caliber talent.

However, Franklin’s critics point to one thing missing from his résumé: a College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance.

With a loaded roster and heightened expectations, the 2025-26 season could be the year he finally silences the doubters and guides the Nittany Lions to the promised land.

The Quarterback to Take Them There

Drew Allar will return for the 2025 campaign, and that fact alone makes Penn State dangerous.

Widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Allar brings elite arm strength, poise in the pocket, and a deep understanding of Franklin’s offensive system.

Allar threw for over 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2024, establishing himself as a premier shot-caller in college football.

With another offseason to build chemistry with his receivers and refine his mechanics, Allar could easily become a Heisman Trophy finalist and the heartbeat of Penn State’s title run.

Strength in the Trenches: Offensive and Defensive Line Depth

Championship teams are often built from the inside out, and Penn State has invested heavily in its offensive and defensive lines.

Led by offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, the Nittany Lions return multiple starters up front, including potential first-round draft pick Olu Fashanu.

Defensively, Penn State’s front seven is ferocious. The defensive line, bolstered by returning stars like Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant, can generate pressure without blitzing, giving the secondary room to operate.

This level of dominance in the trenches is vital for success against playoff-caliber teams like Ohio State or Georgia.

What Needs to Go Right: Keys to Winning It All

For Penn State to win the national championship, several things must align:

• Drew Allar must play like a Heisman finalist.

• The offensive line must protect and establish the run.

• The defense must generate takeaways and pressure.

• The team must stay healthy, especially at key positions.

• They must win at least one marquee game, likely against Ohio State or Georgia.

If these elements come together, there’s no reason why Penn State can’t raise the trophy in January 2026.