James Franklin's 2025 season is an absolute catastrophe that seems impossible to recover from—imagine a coach who was once on the cusp of glory turning it all into a spectacular downfall. It's a story that grips you from the start, pulling you in to see how a promising campaign unraveled so completely. But here's where it gets controversial: can one disastrous year really define a career, or is there more nuance to Franklin's legacy that fans are overlooking? Let's dive in and unpack this rollercoaster, step by step, so even those new to college football can follow along without feeling lost.
First off, it's crucial to remember the full picture when discussing James Franklin's tenure at Penn State. Sure, he's had his share of heartbreak in big games and moments where the team fell just short of elite status. Yet, on the flip side, he's delivered steady wins and transformed the program into a powerhouse—think of it like building a solid foundation for a house, even if the roof isn't perfect yet. For beginners, college football's landscape is all about balancing high-stakes rivalries with long-term success, and Franklin has been a key player in that for years.
Fast-forward to the aftermath of Penn State's heartbreaking 22-21 home defeat to Northwestern on Saturday, a loss that officially dashes any hopes for the College Football Playoff (that's the prestigious tournament where the top teams compete for the national title, often debated for its selection process). This setback cements Franklin's place in football history in a grim way: he's the very first coach ever to drop consecutive games while being favored by 20 points or more, according to Fox Sports. To put that in perspective, only two teams in history—1996 Nebraska and 1997 Texas Tech—have managed that feat in the same season. And get this: Penn State could become the first preseason top-two team to end the year completely unranked since Lane Kiffin's USC squad in 2012. The next closest example? We'd have to rewind to Ron Powlus and Notre Dame back in 1994. And this is the part most people miss—how rare and unprecedented these failures are, painting a picture of a season that spiraled beyond even the wildest predictions.
The 2025 campaign was poised to be the ultimate test for Franklin, a 12th-year coach who led Penn State to two playoff victories last season, propelling them to the semifinals. But the verdict came much sooner and harsher than anyone anticipated: a spectacular failure that's never been seen before, effectively sealing his fate at Penn State. The how and when of his departure? That's secondary now; the damage is done, and both the coach and the university seem primed for a fresh start. It's like a marriage that's hit rock bottom—no amount of counseling can undo the cracks that have formed.
After the loss, Franklin opened up emotionally about his players, saying, 'I’d do anything to take that hurt away from them,' hinting that the swirling controversies around him might have weighed heavily on the team this year. 'But like I told them, we’ve got to stick together. We’ve got to tune out all the noise and we’ve got to get to work. That’s the only answer, get to work. We’ve had some adversity in the past—not like this, but we’re going to get to work.' It's a heartfelt plea, but in the context of preseason national championship expectations, no amount of hard work post-this blow will suffice. This historic double-whammy of defeats—following last week's shocking 42-37 upset at UCLA (where, ironically, the Bruins went on to dominate Michigan State 38-13, though the Spartans are arguably the weakest in the Big Ten)—comes on the heels of a grueling double-overtime loss to Oregon earlier in the season. Back then, Franklin's Achilles' heel was struggling against top-tier opponents, but now? His team can't seem to beat anyone, and things aren't improving.
To make it worse, quarterback Drew Allar is sidelined for the year with a season-ending leg injury from the Northwestern game, leaving Penn State in a tough spot. Looking ahead, their next three matchups are road games at Iowa and Ohio State, plus a home clash with Indiana. That's a swift plummet from title contenders to potential invitees for lesser bowls like the GameAbove Sports Bowl (formerly the Motor City Bowl)—a fall that's happened in just six weeks of action. This is no small feat; it's Penn State's first three-game skid since 2021, right before Franklin signed a lucrative 10-year extension. And it happened despite the program getting its NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) collectives sorted out—allowing players to earn money through endorsements, which is a game-changer for recruiting—and Franklin receiving all the tools he requested. His facilities have been upgraded, he landed defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from Ohio State for a whopping $3.1 million annually over three years (the highest-paid in the role), and his own $8.5 million salary, while below some peers (14 coaches earn more), suddenly looks like a questionable investment.
That said, this season doesn't wipe away the solid winning culture Franklin has fostered at Penn State over the years. But can anyone seriously claim he can elevate it further, especially with the backlash and negativity these kinds of flops invite? It's like a chef who's consistently delivered good meals but then burns the signature dish in front of everyone—recovery might be possible, but trust is shattered. On the team front, several seasoned veterans, who were likely compensated well to stick around, aren't delivering, while promising young talents struggle to earn playing time. And while Allar's injury is a blow, the truth is he hadn't progressed as fans hoped this year—many in State College are longing for his old backup, Beau Pribula, who's shining at Missouri. For newcomers to the sport, this highlights how college football is as much about player development as it is about wins; expectations can skyrocket, but injuries and performances don't always align.
As the 2025 college football landscape unfolds—before we've even delved into gripes about CFP rankings— we've already witnessed inspiring comebacks. Think Arch Manning beaming after dismantling rival Oklahoma, or Alabama's Kalen DeBoer proving his coaching chops and potentially staying put in Tuscaloosa. Even Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava, after ditching Tennessee, showed his talent, partly thanks to Knowles' defensive schemes. But for Franklin? No such redemption arc is in sight. He can't rewrite this chapter; it's a full-blown disaster, plain and simple. His best bet now is to keep pushing forward, as he suggested, chasing whatever positive outcomes remain while eyeing inevitable exit talks.
Penn State supporters can only cross their fingers that this marks the end—that Franklin becomes their 'Mark Richt' (a coach remembered fondly but ultimately replaced) over time, paving the way for their own 'Kirby Smart' (a dynamic successor who turns things around). But here's the controversial twist: is Franklin truly the villain here, or did external pressures and bad luck play a bigger role than we think? And this is where we need your thoughts—do you believe one bad season should derail a coach who's built so much, or is it time for a change? Share your opinions in the comments; let's debate if Franklin's story is tragedy or just part of the game!
Oct 12, 2025
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