The 2025 season has been a catastrophic failure for James Franklin, and the repercussions are undeniable. But was this downfall truly unforeseen?
A Season of High Hopes and Crushing Disappointments:
James Franklin, the esteemed coach of Penn State, has always been a figure of intrigue. While he's achieved consistent success and built a formidable program, his inability to win big games and reach the pinnacle has been a recurring theme. But this season was supposed to be different.
After a promising 2024 campaign, Franklin's team was favored to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. However, a shocking 22-21 home loss to Northwestern shattered those dreams. This wasn't just a minor setback; it marked a historic low point. Fox Sports highlights the rarity of such consecutive defeats, with only two other teams in football history experiencing similar fates. And now, Penn State faces the grim prospect of becoming the first preseason top-two team to finish unranked in over a decade.
The Writing on the Wall:
The 2025 season was meant to be Franklin's moment of triumph, but it quickly turned into a referendum on his coaching abilities. The verdict is in, and it's not favorable. The once-promising season has spiraled into a disaster, leaving Franklin's future at Penn State in question. While the timing and manner of his departure may be uncertain, the writing is on the wall.
Franklin, in a post-game interview, expressed his desire to shield his players from the mounting pressure. He urged unity and focus amidst the chaos, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of their current adversity. However, when expectations are sky-high, mere words may not be enough.
A Perfect Storm of Misfortune:
The loss to Northwestern was just the beginning. Penn State's subsequent 42-37 upset at UCLA, followed by a 38-13 thrashing of Michigan State by the same UCLA team, only added salt to the wound. This unprecedented two-game streak of misfortune came on the heels of a double-overtime loss to Oregon, a game where Franklin's inability to overcome top-ranked opponents was already a concern.
With quarterback Drew Allar now sidelined for the season due to injury, the team's prospects look even bleaker. Their upcoming schedule includes formidable opponents like Iowa, Ohio State, and Indiana, a far cry from their initial national championship aspirations.
A Tale of Missed Opportunities:
This season's collapse is particularly striking given Penn State's recent NIL/collective improvements and Franklin's successful recruitment efforts. The university provided him with the resources to build a championship-caliber team, including a lucrative contract for defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Yet, despite these investments, the team's performance has fallen short.
Veteran players, presumably well-compensated, have underperformed, while highly touted young talents remain on the sidelines. The injury to Allar, while unfortunate, also highlights the team's lack of progress this season. Fans are left wondering if the team's former backup quarterback, now excelling at Missouri, could have made a difference.
Redemption and Controversy:
In contrast, other teams and coaches have experienced redemption arcs this season. Arch Manning's triumph over Oklahoma and Alabama's Kalen DeBoer's coaching prowess have silenced critics. Even UCLA's quarterback, who once abandoned Tennessee, has proven his worth. But for Franklin, there is no such redemption in sight.
This season's narrative is set in stone: a disaster of epic proportions. Franklin's only recourse is to work tirelessly and explore his options. Penn State fans can only hope that this chapter closes gracefully, and a new era, reminiscent of Kirby Smart's success, awaits them.
As the season unfolds, the question remains: Is this the end of the road for Franklin at Penn State? And if so, who will rise to lead the team to new heights?
